Lockport Cave is actually an artificial tunnel, built as a bypass for water through the labor of Irish immigrants and was engineered Birdsill Holly. It is nonetheless an interesting historic and geological site. It was an important part of the Erie Canal, which linked the east coast with the mid-west.

The competition of the railroad ended the era of the canal system and the canal became a raceway for water to produce hydroelectric power. Thomas Callahan 1st reopened the tunnel to the public. Part of the tour is an underground boat ride.

Efforts are underway to open a continuous multi-use trail system along the historic and scenic Canal System. The New York State Thruway Authority supervises its development and many portions of the trail already exist.