The Entrance to Essex County's Pioneer Settlement

Beginning at the Gateway Park located on NYS Route 22 overlooking the Boquet River and Willsboro Falls, the trail takes travelers down to the Boquet River front via Mill Lane, connects to Gilliland Lane via the Main Street Bridge and follows a meandering trail through the Gilliland Park and Willsboro Preserve (owned by the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy). This path take visitors past several historic sites, as well as tremendous fishing access-ways. It tells the story of how and why Willsboro came to be the first place of settlement in Essex County. This trail system connects individuals to the regional Champlain Area Trails system and the Lakes to Lockes Blueway Trail. The Town has developed official and unofficial partnerships with all of the above stated organizations and several private land owners to make this significant tourism piece come to fruition.

Historically, this trail travels along the geographic areas upon which the Town's settlement (William Gilliland (1765)), and two significant military events took place (the Burgoyne Proclamation & Encampment (June 20th, 1777) and the Battle of the Boquet (1812)). The Town is seeking to promote this significant historical area, while simultaneously protecting it by way of creating a non-intrusive educational trail.

A walk through revolutionary history

Explore Gateway Park on the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest, a self-guided trail launching in May 2025 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Discover the Gateway Trail System, which connects you to key moments in America’s history, from William Gilliland’s 1765 settlement to the 1777 Burgoyne Proclamation and the 1812 Battle of the Boquet. Add Gateway Park to your quest to dive deeper into the nation’s Revolutionary roots and earn exclusive prizes along the way!