Erie Canal Closure Casts Doubt on 2020 Great Loop Cruise

The Erie Canal, a central and historic segment of the Great Loop cruising route, faces an unprecedented interruption in 2020 that could derail many boaters’ plans. New York State has classified the canal as “non-essential” during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the New York State Canal Corporation has suspended all non-essential construction and maintenance activities. As a result, the canal will not open for through-navigation of locks on the scheduled May 15 date and may remain closed for the remainder of 2020. If the canal stays closed for the season, it would be the first such closure in the Erie Canal’s 195-year history.

Why the Erie Canal Matters to Loopers

The Great Loop is a roughly 6,000-mile recreational circumnavigation that connects inland waterways, the Great Lakes, the Eastern Seaboard, the Gulf of Mexico and many inland rivers and canals. For many cruisers, the Erie Canal is one of the most appealing and practical portions of the route. It provides a sheltered inland passage linking the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and offers scenic towns, historic locks, and a unique inland boating experience. A closure of the Erie Canal therefore forces cruisers to consider alternative routes or to postpone sections of their plans.

Immediate Impact on Boaters and Local Communities

For boat owners and crews who had hoped to transit the canal this season, the announcement introduces logistical and financial complications. The Erie Canal’s locks are operated by the state, and an official suspension of through-navigation means that even if portions of the waterway are passable, through-transit may not be permitted. Recreational boaters, liveaboards and charter operators who planned their itineraries around the canal will need to reassess timing, routes, and expenses.

Beyond individual cruisers, towns and marinas along the canal depend on tourism and transient boat traffic for revenue. A shortened or canceled navigation season could reduce local business for repair yards, fuel docks, restaurants, and shops that rely on the steady arrival of seasonal boaters. Municipalities and small businesses that had prepared for the typical influx may face economic pressure if the closure persists.

Alternative Routes and Their Challenges

Some Great Loopers may consider rerouting through Lake Champlain as an alternative to the Erie Canal. Lake Champlain provides a navigable connection between the Hudson River and the St. Lawrence system and can be used to bypass locked inland routes. However, this alternative is not without complications: it still requires passage through state-managed locks and facilities operated by New York authorities, and the same operational suspensions or travel restrictions could affect that route as well. Additionally, Lake Champlain presents different weather, routing, and service considerations, including greater exposure to open-water conditions and varying marina availability.

Practical Steps for Affected Boaters

If you planned to cruise the Erie Canal in 2020, consider these practical steps to manage disruption and protect your investment of time and money:

Confirm current status with official state communications before making travel decisions. Because policies can change as public-health conditions evolve, stay alert for updates from the Canal Corporation and New York State authorities.
Evaluate alternative routing options and weigh the pros and cons. Lake Champlain is one possibility, but it requires careful planning and may still be affected by state decisions regarding locks and operations.
Consider delaying or staging your trip. Some boaters choose to postpone passage until a later season or split their journey into shorter, local cruises until the canal reopens.
Prepare for increased costs and limited services. Expect that some repair yards, marinas and support businesses might reduce hours or remain closed, so secure essential maintenance and provisioning in advance when possible.
Plan for safety and contingency. Make sure charts, communication devices, and emergency equipment are up to date. Have a transport or haul-out plan if extended closures force you to move your boat by trailer or professional transport.

Looking Ahead

The potential closure of the Erie Canal in 2020 underlines how public-health emergencies can abruptly affect long-established recreational patterns and regional economies. For the boating community that prizes continuity and careful planning, the situation is frustrating and uncertain. Yet many boaters adapt by adjusting timelines, choosing alternate routes, or using temporary moorings while waiting for channels to reopen.

Anyone with plans that depend on the Erie Canal should remain flexible, monitor official announcements closely, and prepare multiple contingency plans. While this season may be atypical, careful planning can help minimize disruption and preserve the spirit of exploration that draws so many people to the Great Loop.