There’s no doubt that Lake Champlain is one of Vermont’s crown jewels. One of the best ways to see it is by taking the Island Line Rail Trail. As you take this journey the lake literally washes against the shore right at your feet. For a day full of picture-perfect scenery, travel this easy path full of natural delights.
The Island Line Rail Trail is well-known for its cross causeway path, but there is more than just that stretch to this stunningly scenic route.
TrailLink/dangray The Rutland-Canadian Railroad built the Island Train Line in 1899. It was used to connect New England with the Great Lakes Region. The railroad stopped transporting passengers in 1955 and freight in 1961. In the 1980s, an idea was born to turn the abandoned railroad into a recreational path for pedestrians.
The 13.4-mile trail spans from Burlington to South Hero and includes a short ferry ride on Lake Champlain. The first 8 miles are paved and the rest of the trail is crushed stone making it an easy trip for anyone.
Google Maps
Although you can certainly walk along the rail trail, many prefer to bicycle the path. Local Motion is a non-profit organization that rents bikes in Burlington for use on the trail.
Google Images/Joseph Lust
When embarking on this journey, don’t just look to the end of the trail as your destination. Take time to enjoy the sights along the way.
TrailLink/RTC
Check out the fishing boats along the Winooski as you cross the bridge. Soak in just one of the many water views that you’ll experience along this trip.
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There are hidden beaches along the way just waiting to be explored. Stroll down the steps and take a break for a minute or more.
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Any of the beaches along the trail are a great place to stop and have a picnic or take a refreshing swim.
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Once you reach the causeway, experience 3 miles of the most panoramic scenery you’ve ever seen.
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Reach the middle of Lake Champlain for spectacular views of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west.
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At the end of the causeway, you’ll have to take a ferry to bridge the 200-foot gap to reach South Hero.
Google Images/Isa Moto e
The ferry is designed to transport passengers as well as their bicycles. The ferry ride is just eight minutes from shore to shore.
Google Images/Christine Kelley
Traveling the Island Line Rail Trail is a journey like no other. Enjoy every step or every turn of the tire on this incredible path filled with gorgeous Vermont views.
TrailLink/SC302 For more information about this breathtaking trail visit the TrailLink website. For more information on the bike ferry, visit the Local Motion website.
Have you ever explored the Island Line Rail Trail? Share your experiences and photos in the comments section below. If you are planning your first trip, read up on Lake Champlain and the 19 things you might not know about this beautiful body of water.
TrailLink/dangray
The Rutland-Canadian Railroad built the Island Train Line in 1899. It was used to connect New England with the Great Lakes Region. The railroad stopped transporting passengers in 1955 and freight in 1961. In the 1980s, an idea was born to turn the abandoned railroad into a recreational path for pedestrians.
Google Maps
Google Images/Joseph Lust
TrailLink/RTC
TrailLink/susancnett
TrailLink/slipsoup
TrailLink/briancostello
Google Images/Isa Moto e
Google Images/Christine Kelley
TrailLink/SC302
For more information about this breathtaking trail visit the TrailLink website. For more information on the bike ferry, visit the Local Motion website.
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