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. 

 

 

CIDER (Champlain Islands Developing Essential Resources) has partnered with Cathedral Square (a leading creator of affordable housing with services for older adults and people with special needs) to bring this multi million dollar project to the Champlain Islands and it is now officially underway! 

Over the last 15 years CIDER and Cathedral Square have been working hard to come up with an affordable senior housing solution for the Grand Isle County community. The new senior living facility will be known as Bayview Crossing and the nonprofit CIDER will have a new office at this location as well. It will house 30 apartments for older adults, a variety of amenities and services for residents, and an office space for CIDER. It is planned to be a mixed-income community, with apartments at both market-rate and subsidized rents. 

The groundbreaking ceremony of Bayview Crossing took place on September 22th behind Community Lane. The town of South Hero welcomed community members onto the site and provided information as well as acknowledgements. The program also included many brief remarks from members of the Vermont Government such as Governor Phil Scott, Grand Isle’s Senator, Dick Mazza as well as C.I.D.E.R’s Executive Director, Robin Way and Cathedral Square’s CEO Kim Fitzgerald. 

Watch the video below to learn more or call Cathedral Square at 802-863-2224 to get rental information!