The best walks and hikes around Lake Champlain

Yes, many parks in the region welcome dogs. For example, Niquette Bay State Park is a popular, pet-friendly destination with well-maintained, shaded trails that are great for walking with your dog. Always remember to check the specific park's regulations for leash rules before you go.

The Lake Champlain area has numerous family-friendly options. For a very easy and scenic walk, consider the Viewpoint loop from Red Rocks Park. It's a short, 2.4-mile (3.8 km) trail through a lovely wooded conservation area that is manageable for all ages.

Many trails on the Vermont side provide stunning vistas of the Adirondacks across the lake. For a rewarding climb with panoramic views, Mount Philo State Park is an excellent choice. On the New York side, the short hike up Belfry Mountain leads to a fire tower with outstanding panoramas of the High Peaks.

While many trails are gentle, you can find more strenuous options. The Delta Park to Half Moon Cove — Burlington route is a moderate 7.2-mile (11.6 km) hike that offers a longer outing. For a true mountain challenge, consider the 3.4-mile trek up Hurricane Mountain on the New York side for a spectacular 360-degree view.

Late spring, summer, and early fall are the best times for hiking. Summer offers warm weather perfect for combining a hike with water activities. However, autumn is particularly spectacular, as the foliage around the lake and in the Green and Adirondack Mountains creates a stunning, colorful landscape.

While the immediate lakeside trails are not known for large waterfalls, the greater region features some dramatic water features. A must-see is the famous Ausable Chasm, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," which has a network of trails along the gorge carved by the Ausable River.

For any hike, you should bring the essentials: water, snacks, and a map or fully charged phone with the komoot app. Sturdy footwear is recommended as some trails can be rocky or muddy, especially after rain.

Given the lakeside location, weather can change quickly, so packing a light rain jacket is always a good idea. In summer, insect repellent is highly advisable.

Absolutely. The New York side offers fantastic trails, including routes in the Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest and the Champlain Area Trails (CATS) network. A great option is the Valcour Island Primitive Area loop, a 6.4-mile (10.3 km) shoreline path on a historic island.

Hikers in the Lake Champlain area often praise the incredible diversity of the landscape. You can experience everything from gentle lakeside paths and dense woodlands to challenging mountain ascents with panoramic views, all within a short distance. The unique geology, including the ancient Chazy Reef, adds another layer of interest to the trails.

Yes, there are many enjoyable loop trails that bring you back to your starting point. The Lone Tree Hill loop from Shelburne is a pleasant 4.4-mile (7 km) circular route. Another popular choice is the Ethan Allen Park & Donahue Sea Caves loop, which explores a forested park near Burlington.

The Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit organization that has created and maintains over 200 miles of trails, primarily on the New York side of the lake. The trails wind through forests, fields, and farmland, connecting communities and leading to scenic vistas. You can grab a map from their headquarters in Westport, NY.

Most state parks and designated trailheads, like those at Mount Philo State Park or Niquette Bay State Park, have dedicated parking areas. However, these can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. For smaller trailheads within the CATS network or local preserves, parking may be limited to small roadside pull-offs, so arriving early is recommended.