The Lake Champlain Islands offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from peaceful woodland walks to trails with beautiful lake views. Whether you're looking for a quick stroll or a longer outing, here are 10 local trails to explore across the Islands.

1. Island Line Trail Recreation Path

Location: South Hero, VT

From South Hero, access the trail at 36 Martin Road. The trail follows a dirt road toward the lake and the causeway. Keep in mind that the causeway has a gap known as “the Cut,” and the seasonal bike ferry is now closed for the season. You can still enjoy the trail up to the Cut, about 1.8 miles from the South Hero trailhead, but you won’t be able to cross the gap by ferry until it resumes service.

The section is part of the iconic Island Line Trail, a 14-mile rail connecting South Hero and Burlington along the shores of Lake Champlain. Run, bike, or even roller skate on the path while enjoying views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains. One of the main highlights of the trail is the Colchester Causeway, a narrow stretch built along a former railroad bed, with Lake Champlain on either side.

2. Butternut Hill Natural Area 

Location: North Hero, VT

Located at Camp Ingalls in North Hero, this mile-long trail offers an easy hike through scenic woods with a shale beach at the end. The path winds through floodplain forests, cedar pine forests, and cobble shorelines while providing a tremendous southerly view of Lake Champlain. 

3. Fox Hill Trail

Location: South Hero, VT

Fox Hill Trail is a short, uphill hike in South Hero with amazing views of The Island Line Trail recreation path, Snow Farm Vineyard, and Lake Champlain. The trail is located at Snow Farm Vineyard, so stop by the tasting room for a wine tasting.

4. Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve

Location: Isle La Motte, VT

This 85-acre sanctuary in Isle La Motte provides year-round, free access to a remarkable collection of 480 million-year-old fossils from the Chazy Fossil Reef. You can take a self-guided expedition on the trails to marvel at these ancient relics while exploring the extended trails that wind through the vast property. 

5. Ironwood Nature Trail, Grand Isle, VT

Location: Grand Isle, VT

This 0.8-mile trail near Grand Isle State Park features numerous old ironwood trees, an observation tower, wetland-forest plants, and an exposed bedrock dome with deep fissures. 

6. Tracy Woods Community Trail 

Location: South Hero, VT

Nestled in the charming town of South Hero, the Tracy Woods Community Trail was preserved in 2018 through the Tracy Woods Conservation Project. This family-friendly, one-mile loop trail is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Champlain Islands.

7. The Roy Marsh Trail 

Location: South Hero, VT

This easy trail runs along the old Island Line Railroad Bed and is about 2 miles one way or 4 miles out and back. The trail is open for walking, running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Feel free to bring your dog too! Be aware that hunting is allowed on this property, so use caution during waterfowl season. 

8. Pelot’s Point Natural Area

Location: North Hero, VT

This 2.6-mile trail is lovely for walking, running, or snowshoeing. Located in North Hero, you will be fully immersed in nature with the opportunity to see lots of wildlife and a few excellent viewpoints of Lake Champlain. The trail winds through pastures and woods, and a portion is on the old railroad tracks.

9. Alburgh Recreational Rail Trail 

Location: Alburgh, VT

This easy-to-moderate rail trail is 3 miles long and is open throughout all four seasons. The trail is excellent for walking, running, and biking. It starts in the Alburgh Village and heads east through the Mud Creek Wildlife Management Area. 

10. Landon Community Trail 

Location: South Hero, VT

The Landon Community Trail spans a manageable distance of ¾ mile catering to beginners and those seeking a moderately challenging hike. However, it's essential to remember that the Landon Community Trail temporarily closes each year between November 10th and December 10th. This brief closure aligns with the deer hunting season in the region, prioritizing safety for all trail users. 

 Whether you're heading out for a quick walk or exploring a new trail, the Champlain Islands offer plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. We hope this list inspires you to find a new trail and explore the area.

Before you go, remember that it’s hunting season in Vermont. Wear hunter orange, stick to designated trails, and stay aware of your surroundings.

If you have questions about the area or are looking for local recommendations, CBIR is always happy to be a resource.

1. Lake Champlain is 120 Miles in Length

Lake Champlain is about 120 miles long and 12 miles in width at its widest point. It reaches Vermont, New York, and Canada and even gets all the way down to 400ft at its deepest point.

2. Lake Champlain was once the Sixth Great Lake

President Clinton declared Lake Champlain the sixth Great Lake on March 6th, 1998. Most of the country disagreed with the decision and convinced Clinton to rescind the title only a couple of weeks later, on March 24th, 1998.

3. There are 71 Islands throughout Lake Champlain

These range from tiny remote islands to larger islands with towns. The three largest islands are towns that include: South Hero/Grand Isle, North Hero, and Isle La Motte.

4. Lake Champlain is Home to the Oldest Reef in the world.

The Chazy Reef is a fossil reef in Isle La Motte, Vermont, that spans over 1,567 acres and is over 480 million years old. As a National Natural Landmark, the reef is viewable to the public at the Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve and the Fisk Quarry Reserve.

5. Lake Champlain Holds over 90 species of fish. 

Over 90 species of fish live in the waters of Lake Champlain. It’s considered a frontline fishery for two species in particular: salmonid species (lake trout and salmon) and bass. Bassmaster magazine even named Lake Champlain the fourth best lake in the region for fishing in 2021!

6. It was the Location of the Battle of Plattsburgh.

The lake was a vital part in many battles and wars. The Battle of Plattsburgh, also known as the Battle of Lake Champlain, took place during the War of 1812 and prevented the British from invading New York.

7. Lake Champlain has a 14-Mile Long Recreational Trail

The Island Line Trail takes you from Burlington, Vermont to the Lake Champlain Islands. Historically, the trail was not meant for recreational use. It was built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad for coastal market connections. Eventually, in the 1980s, the railroad was converted into a recreational path.

If you found these facts interesting, learn more about Lake Champlain here!

Are you curious about Vermont’s largest lake, Lake Champlain? At Coldwell Banker Islands Realty, we breathe the Lake Champlain lifestyle and are here to share more information about the beautiful Lake Champlain region. Discover how the lake got its name, its battles, how many islands it contains, and other interesting facts.

• Lake Champlain History

Home to the oldest reef in the world, Lake Champlain is full of history. The Chazy Reef, a fossil reef in Isle La Motte, Vermont, spans over 1,567 acres and is over 480 million years old. This National Natural Landmark is viewable to the public at the Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve and the Fisk Quarry Reserve.

Lake Champlain was first discovered in 1609 by French explorer Samuel De Champlain, hence the name. Still, there are records of multiple names given by indigenous tribes, such as the Iroquois and Abenaki. 

The lake was a vital part of many battles and wars throughout the next couple of hundred years. During the Revolutionary War, Lake Champlain played a crucial role in shipbuilding, colony movement, and naval battles. The Battle of Lake Champlain, also known as the Battle of Plattsburgh, took place during the War of 1812 and prevented the British from invading New York. This battle was quite significant as it stopped the last invasion of the northern states by the British.

Shipwrecks dating back to the 18th century can be found in Lake Champlain. You can even go diving to see some of them through the Vermont Underwater Historic Preserves. 

• Lake Champlain Facts

Lake Champlain is about 120 miles long and 12 miles wide at its widest point. Even though the average depth is 64ft, the deepest point reaches down to 400 feet. There are 71 islands throughout Lake Champlain. These range from tiny remote islands to larger islands with towns and full-time residents. Three are state parks: Knight, Woods, and Burton Island. There are also vacation rental opportunities out on Butler Island. The three largest islands are towns that include: South Hero/Grand Isle, North Hero, and Isle La Motte. Approximately 200,000 people use Lake Champlain as their home’s water source.

• Fish and Wildlife

Over 90 species of fish live in the waters of Lake Champlain. It’s considered a frontline fishery for two species: salmonid species (lake trout and salmon) and bass. Bassmaster magazine even named Lake Champlain the fourth-best lake in the region for fishing in 2021!

There are over 318 bird species that live near or around Lake Champlain! The state's second most productive waterfowl site is located right in the marshes around The Sandbar Causeway. 

Another form of life is believed to live beneath the surface of Lake Champlain. The mythical lake monster, Champ, is a creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster that some believe is living in the depths of the waters. There are reports of Champ sightings as early as the 17th century.

• Travel

Lake Champlain plays an essential role in travel for everyone. Two ferries travel year-round between New York and Vermont, making it easy to commute for recreational or work purposes.

In 2022, Burlington welcomed back a commuter rail service between Burlington and New York City. The Burlington Union Station is located right on Main Street. The Rutland-Canadian Railroad ended its use in 1962 and was developed into a public trail for bicyclists and pedestrians. The trail runs along the shores of Lake Champlain, offering a unique recreational experience.

You can easily travel to the Lake Champlain Islands by the causeway that connects the Vermont mainland to the island of South Hero. Multiple bridges connect the different island towns and to the mainland of Swanton and New York State.

• Fun Facts

You've heard of the five Great Lakes of North America, but did you know there used to be a sixth? On March 6th, 1998, President Clinton declared Lake Champlain the sixth Great Lake. Despite the bill being signed, the title for Lake Champlain didn’t last long. Many countries ended up disagreeing with the decision and wanted the status rescinded. So, only a couple weeks later, on March 24th, 1998, President Clinton did as the public wished, and Lake Champlain was no longer a Great Lake. Even though it’s not official anymore, the “Sixth Great Lake” nickname has stuck with the lake.

Lake Champlain is full of history, life, and adventure. If you want to learn more about life on Lake Champlain, our Realtors are here to help.

Make the most of Summer 2022 by exploring all that the Lake Champlain Islands have to offer. We've created a guide for the top must-try activities in each Champlain Island town to add to your summer bucket list.

Rent a Boat in South Hero

What better way to explore the Lake Champlain Islands than on a boat? Apple Island Marina is conveniently located right over the Sandbar Causeway. They offer full and half-day boat rentals available throughout the summer months. 

Go Camping in Grand Isle

Grand Isle State Park is Vermont's most visited state park; it has great camping and even nature trails. The extensive shoreline is set up nicely for both fishing and swimming. Make sure to reserve your campsite before you plan your getaway.

Paddle to Knight Island in North Hero

Knight Island State Park is an island located around two miles from the North Hero Village on Lake Champlain's Inland Sea. Hero’s Welcome General Store has kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards available to rent for the day. On a calm day, launch from City Bay and head out to explore the unique Vermont State Park.

Bike Through History in Isle La Motte

Isle La Motte’s flat terrain, scenic views, and roads that run along the Lake make for a very relaxing bike ride. We recommend taking a break to explore the oldest fossil reef in the world, Chazy Fossil Reef or stopping by the town beach at Saint Anne’s Shrine for a picnic.

Golf in Alburgh 

Alburgh Golf Links is a sprawling 18-hole links style golf course that is open to the public. The course features incredible vistas of Lake Champlain and both the Adirondack and Green Mountains. After playing, drop by the clubhouse-taproom for some locally sourced eats and delicious brews by Kraemer & Kin. 

Looking for a unique adventure in Vermont? Visit the iconic Island Line Trail! This 14-mile trek takes you from Burlington, Vermont up to the beautiful Lake Champlain Islands located in the Northwest region of Vermont. Run, bike, or even rollerskate on the path while enjoying captivating views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Historically, the trail was not meant for recreational use. It was built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad for coastal market connections from New England to the Great Lakes. Eventually, in the 1980s, the railroad was converted for recreational use. 

The historic path attracts around 150,000 visitors per year! There are three major entry points for folks to begin their trek. Enter from Oakledge Park in Burlington, Airport Park in Colchester, or Allen Point Access in South Hero. 

Shortly after passing Airport Park you will reach Causeway Park in Colchester. This portion is four miles long with a ten foot wide compact stone path that runs across Lake Champlain. There is a 200 foot gap near the end of the causeway, locally known as “the cut”.

The local motion bike ferry takes passengers across this gap and connects you to Allen Point Access in South Hero. The Bike Ferry welcomes all passengers and just asks for a small donation. However, do note, the ferry operates seasonally. See the bike ferry schedule before you plan your trip. 

The Island Line Trail is a great way to explore the outdoor recreation opportunities that Vermont has to offer. Whether it’s with friends, family, or your furry friend, all will be certain to love this Vermont adventure. 

Learn more about the Lake Champlain Islands here.