Hit the trails

Looking for a trail that offers sweeping views, big beauty, quiet, and abundant flora and fauna? From scenic history walks to bigger challenges, the region has a beautiful variety of hikes and walks, many offering natural solitude — no crowds! — that will delight you.

Champlain Area Trails (CATS)

An expanse of water to the east, mountain giants to the west, and luscious fields all around: the Lake Champlain Region holds a distinct blend of rolling hills, open spaces, peaks, and waterfalls. An ever-expanding Champlain Area Trails system contains diverse offerings for every visitor, with nearly all of their trails located within the Lake Champlain Region. Hikers, birders, and walkers alike love CATS trails for the quiet solitude they offer, and from easy walks to thrilling adventures and striking views, these trails are guaranteed to give you a memorable experience. 

CATS is land trust in the Lake Champlain Region that conserves land, builds and maintains trails, and connects people to nature through education and outreach initiatives. Their connection with the community comes into full effect with the numerous year-round volunteer opportunities and events. One of these events, the annual Grand Hike, happens every spring, and connects communities through a shared hiking experience that utilizes several miles of CATS trails. With nearly 100 trails totaling 200+ miles, they're continually adding more to explore! If diverse forests, scenic overlooks, and trails easy on the knees are your thing, then look into one of the newest editions to the area, the West Valley Trail in Lewis.

Check out both old and new trails with their maps that showcase all the CATS trails in the region, or even request your own!

Legendary views of Lake Champlain

The valley is home to beautiful rolling hills and smaller peaks, which can lend a legendary view of Lake Champlain (look for local legend Champy!). Unforgettable views of the lake, and our neighboring Green Mountains, can be found along outcroppings and summit areas in the Split Rock Wild Forest trails system. Nearly 12 miles of trail within the 3,700 acre protected land weave their way above rocky bays, through undeveloped forests, and alongside small waterfalls. For big mountain views and a bit of a challenge, hike up the short (but sometimes steep) Mount Gilligan trail in Elizabethtown! Views of the High Peaks are abound, especially of the adjacent Giant Mount Wilderness and its namesake. More views of the High Peaks, and the Lake Champlain Region, can be reached with a small stroll up to the firetower on Belfry Mountain. This trail is also one of four family-friendly hikes in the Moriah Hiking Challenge! 

Accessible trails for all

Looking for a shorter, easier adventure? The Lake Champlain Region is full of beautiful walks through downtowns and forests, many under a mile and ideal for all ages and abilities looking for a less challenging outing. The Boquet River Nature Preserve trail is built to Federal Accessibility Guidelines, so everyone can appreciate the wildlife (its an exceptional birding area!) along this 1.15 mile long trail. Dive into the historic "nature" of the Lake Champlain Region by visiting a few of the historic sites dotting the valley. If you're camping in the Crown Point area, or just looking to make a day trip there, check out the short trail that leads you through two National Historic Landmarks at the Crown Point Historic Site. Make a day out of choosing a couple easy hikes, and create your own brew tour by pairing them with one of the Lake Champlain Region's many breweries!

For more hiking ideas, take a look at several other area trails below:

Hikes outside of the High Peaks

Hikes outside of the High Peaks, en Français 

Hike safely during hunting season 

Hiking during the fall season is a magical time to catch colorful foliage and enjoy the trails. However, fall also brings with it hunting season in the Adirondacks. During this time, hunters may also be out and about in our shared outdoors. It's important to stay alert and know who you’re on the trails with. Always prioritize safety during hunting season to enjoy your hike without incidents. For safety tips, visit the travel updates page. For hunting season dates, zones, and more information, click here. 

A message from CATS, some of our trails are closed during hunting season, from September 27 to December 3. The Three Creeks trail will be closed, as are parts of the Essex Gateway, Field and Forest, and Flying Squirrel Trails. But you can still hike in about a half-mile or more on each before reaching the closed areas. Please respect private landowners who hunt on their properties. Signs will indicate where the trails are closed, and hikers should turn around and return to the trailhead at that point.

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the unique ecosystems and communities of the Lake Champlain Region, and the Adirondacks as a whole, remain beautiful and unique for generations to come. Our Hiking 101 page is a great resource to check out before you hit the trail!