Paths, Trails & Tours

Hiking in the CVNHP

Framed by the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, the Champlain Valley offers some of the best hiking opportunities in northeastern North America. The Long Trail National Scenic Trail traces the spine of the Green Mountains. The 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail will soon connect the Long Trail to Lake Sakakawea State Park in North Dakota, traversing eight states. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails that access stunning vistas, secluded campsites, and beautiful streams can be found in the Adirondack Park and the Green Mountain National Forest.

The New York and Vermont state parks maintain excellent trail systems at parks throughout the region. The Vermont state forests in the Champlain Valley have some remarkable trails.

Locally, Champlain Area Trail System (CATS) can help you find just the right place to hike in New York.

Other Walking Trails

LCBP has long supported hiking trails and walking tours throughout the Basin. Grants have funded everything from land records research and interpretive materials to bridge and trail construction to erosion control.

Cross Vermont Trail

The Cross Vermont Trail is a project to build a multi-use, four season path across the width of Vermont that follows the Winooski River and Wells River valleys. The trail is connecting communities, their schools, and the natural areas between. LCBP has supported the installation of directional signs, development of new trails, erosion control, and negotiation of trail easements in 11 Basin towns.

Geology of the Champlain Valley

This Guide to the Geology of the Champlain Valley describes the 500 million years plus of the varied and dynamic geologic history of the region and includes interpretive sites that are open to visitors. As some sites are seasonal call ahead to confirm hours.

Guide to the Lake City

This walking tour interprets the natural features, recreational opportunities, thriving cultural attractions, and historic legacy of Plattsburgh, New York. LCBP supported the development of the Guide to the Lake City Interpretive Guide.

Valcour Island Heritage Trail

Explore the natural and cultural sites of New York’s Valcour Island using the Valcour Island Heritage Trail Guide. The a 7.5-mile loop around the island takes about five hours to complete. The island is only accessible by boat and visits are encouraged in the spring and fall to avoid insects and poison ivy.

Cycling

With more than 1,750 miles of breathtaking routes, cyclists from all over the world visit the Champlain Valley to discover some of the finest cycling in North America. Lakeside bike paths, country road meanders, mountainous climbs—the CVNHP has something for every level of rider.

Cyclists who ride in the Champlain Valley know it has all the right ingredients for a premier bicycle touring destination: peaceful country roads, picturesque villages, breathtaking scenery, charming B&B’s and inns, country stores and farmstands, bicycle tour outfitters, impressive historic sites and museums, lovely shoreline parks and campgrounds, convenient connections to passenger rail lines and ferry crossings, and access to numerous lakes and rivers.

The CVNHP is a partner organization in two long-distance bike routes:

The 363-mile Lake Champlain Bikeway that encircles the 15th largest body of water in the United States and links Whitehall, New York, with Chambly, Québec.

The 380-mile Western New England Bikeway that connects Montreal to New York City.

The CVNHP/Lake Champlain Bikeway network includes a total of 54 loops and tours ranging from 10 to 60 miles in length. Based on a rich array of natural, cultural, and historic themes, these loops follow quiet back roads through extraordinary mountain and countryside scenery.

Cycle the City

Cycle the City is an interpretive bicycle loop that showcases the historic, cultural and natural splendor of Burlington, Vermont. A four-color, 16-page guide and seven interpretive and directional signs along the six theme loops educates visitors and residents alike. Local Motion also offers Cycle the City guided tours of the 14-stop, three-hour, 20-mile loop led by a trained volunteer historian.