what is the shortest water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean?

https://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1521073531

thank you. I was thinking it was St. Lawrence Seaway.

Check a map.

The St. Lawrence Seaway is the quickest way by boat, but not to the Atlantic. Notice how far north the seaway goes.

To determine the shortest water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Study the geography: Look at a map of North America to get a sense of the layout between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Identify major bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and canals, that connect the two regions.

2. Consider the options: There are several potential routes to choose from, but two main ones stand out. The first option is to use the St. Lawrence River, which connects Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The second option is to use the Erie Canal, which connects Lake Erie to the Hudson River and ultimately leads to the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Calculate distances: Measure the distances along each potential route using maps or online resources. This will allow you to determine the shortest route in terms of nautical miles or kilometers.

4. Evaluate other factors: Apart from distance, consider other factors that may influence your decision, such as lock systems, water depth, potential fees, and commercial shipping restrictions.

Taking all these factors into account, the route via the St. Lawrence River is generally considered the shortest water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. However, the Erie Canal provides an alternative option that allows ships to bypass the St. Lawrence Seaway and navigate directly to the Hudson River.