Last lock of 28! Lucky lock 12 on The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail!
It took Irish immigrants 10 years to hand dig the 80 mile Farmington canal with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. The boats were pulled by horses along a path beside the canal.
Changes in elevation within the canal necessitated areas where the boats can be lifted or lowered by using water tight chambers to remove or add water to adjust the height. While not considered a long term success it did foster commerce and travel between the towns.
There were 28 locks along the canal and lock 12 is the only one that remains! The original gatekeepers house and a museum adds to taking you back into a picturesque time in history.
The canal route was later replaced by a railroad and that was overcome by trucking. Lock 12 is along the Farmington Canal trail and this is part of a component of the East Coast Greenway. Great place to pause as you hike or walk the trail. There is also parking nearby.
487 N. Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire, CT.
Join me down the Farmington Canal trail.
Pivot and Pause in New England 
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