Island Line Trail (Bikeway/Walkway)
Ages: 0 and up
Cost: Free
Parking: Yes - There is a lot for about 10 cars.
Features: Dog Friendly
NOTE: Due to the flood levels, the causeway suffered extensive damage in the Spring of 2011 and is closed until further notice. Check Local Motion for updates.
Along the edges of Lake Champlain is a scenic 12-mile trail that extends from downtown Burlington north through Colchester onto the Causeway. It's a multi-use trail so you will see walkers, runners, inline skaters and bikers. It's wide enough and relatively flat so jogging strollers or burlees are do-able for the little ones.
Note: it is paved with the exception of 5 miles in Colchester.
Along the way, don't miss:
- Union Station
- ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Museum
- Oakledge Park
- North Beach
- Leddy Park
- Auer Family Boathouse
- Airport Park
If you just want a 1-3 mile jaunt, park on Mills Point Road (see Google map) and take the trail out onto the causeway into the middle of Lake Champlain. It truly is one of the most spectacular trails that you don't want to miss.
Check out the Island Trail Map from Local Motion.
Here is a list of public bathrooms along the route:
- Mile 0 Oakledge Park, Bathroom
- Mile 2.5 Burlington Community Boathouse, Bathroom
- Mile 4.0 North Beach Boathouse, Bathroom
- Mile 5.0 Leddy Park (in arena), Bathroom
- Mile 8.5 Airport Park, Bathroom
- Mile 13 Fish & Wildlife Access Area, Port-o-let
- Mile 17 Snow Farm Winer, Port-o-let
- Mile 16 White's Beach, Port-o-let
- Mile 17 Seb's French Fries, Port-o-let
4 Reviews
missmagpie
Reviewed on 03/04/2010
Imagine a path built out of large chunks of marble, rock and dirt that are high enough to literally allow you to walk on water. That path is formally known as Colchester Causeway Park and this is absolutely the best bike path in all of Northern Vermont! It is so unique. This particular stretch of the packed gravel path takes you right out into lake makes you feel like you are biking or walking on water. The view is spectacular. You can...more
twincoastlove
Reviewed on 06/17/2008
This is a GREAT way to spend time this summer! We decided to opt for the short route by parking on Mills Point Rd. Not only was the recommendation and site's instructions to get there *perfect* and made it so easy, but the experience was so fantastic! My two 9-year-olds rode the trail out to the ferry stopping point (no ferry yet!) with ease, my 6-year-old did it and it was a stretch/work for her, but she was completely able. Butterflies...more
marlin
Reviewed on 05/06/2008
With the lake on both sides of you it's a unique and beautiful biking (or walking) experience! Local Motion has operated a bike ferry across the causeway opening during summer weekends, which lets you bike all the way to South Hero! Check Local Motion for ferry schedule, it changes each year.
ceb
Reviewed on 03/04/2008
We usually just park in the lot mentioned above and take the path out to the causeway. Great for cooling off on hot summer days (many places to jump in the lake) or an easy stroll (very flat) to get some exercise and take in the beautiful views of the lake and mountains. An absolute VT gem.