200 miles of trails

In 2009, Champlain Area Trails (CATS) published its earliest trail map highlighting the first new hiking trails it created along with the few existing other trails. This gave visitors and residents alike a new perspective on recreational opportunities in the woods and waters of the Lake Champlain Region. Today the CATS Trail Map for 2018-2019 features 87 trails totaling over 200 miles of easy-to-moderate paths for hikers, nature lovers, bird watchers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers to explore. Follow the CATS trail markers, state trail signs, and local trail paint blazes and you’ll be guided through lush forests to wildflower-infused meadows, easy-to-reach views of the Adirondack High Peaks, and rock outcrops that overlook Lake Champlain as it glistens against a backdrop of Vermont’s Green Mountains. The Adirondack Coast is a place where big water meets big mountains, and it’s open for exploration.

A legacy of making connections

Part of the CATS mission is to connect the communities of the region via an ever-expanding network of “Hike the Lake” trails. To that end, the non-profit organization has created more than 34 trails, publicized 53 additional trails, and protected 875 acres of land in the region. Some of those trails are part of a 30-mile loop between Westport and Essex. The long-term plans include extending the trail system to neighboring towns around Lake Champlain and eventually connecting them to trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec.

The folks at CATS are always busy planning new routes, so be sure to pick up a map and see what's new every time you visit the Adirondack Coast!