Description
Hop on the spectacular 14-mile trail along Lake Champlain. The Island Line cruises through Burlington's Waterfront and scoots out on the Colchester Causeway three miles into the middle of the lake! Public beaches, natural areas, and scenic vistas abound. The southern portion of the trail, from Oakledge Park in Burlington to Airport Park in Colchester is paved while the northern portion, from Airport Park across the causeway to Allen Point Access Area is crushed, compacted stone. The trail is 4+ feet wide for its entire length.
Come explore Vermont's most popular multi-use trail. Stop into the
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. Have a picnic lunch at the Mayes Landing picnic area at the base of the bridge or out on the causeway. Go for a swim. Bicycling, running, walking, and inline skating are all popular trail activities. In the winter BPRW plows one half of the path from Waterfront Park to the Burlington Colchester Bridge and leaves snow on the other for cross country skiing. Restrooms are available at Oakledge Park, Perkins Pier, the waterfront Boathouse, the A_Dog Skate Park, North Beach, Leddy Beach, Charlie's Boathouse, and Airport Park.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day Local Motion’s Bike Ferry service connects the Champlain Islands and the Greater Burlington area along the route of the former Island Line railway. For trail users, the trip across the “Cut,” a 200-foot gap in the beautiful Colchester Causeway Park, is a moment to sit back and soak up one of the most scenic and unique experiences that Vermont has to offer; 360 degree views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, three miles out into the center of Lake Champlain. Access to the bike ferry is via ramps on either side and the ferry can accommodate mobility devices with assistance from the crew.
Click here for the Bike Ferry schedule and prices.
The Burlington section of the path, known as the Burlington Greenway, is currently under renovation with southern portions of the path being closed periodically for construction. Check
here for the latest information on construction and closures.
Other Information
Thanks! Please note that many of the scenic vistas are possible due to thoughtful land conservation efforts by a number of organizations including the City of Burlington land along the Waterfront, North Beach, Leddy Beach, Colchester's Airport Park, UVM's Colchester Bog, and Porter Natural Area (conserved by the Lake Champlain Land Trust).
Pets: All pets must be kept on a leash on the path for the safety of other pets, other trail users, and themselves.
Get A Trail Map: Pick one up at Local Motion and area outdoor shops, or order it on-line through Lake Champlain Bikeways.
Trail Updates: Find out about efforts to improve and extend the trail. Advocates are exploring the concept of a Burlington to Montreal trail – connecting to Quebec's fabulous Route Verte bikeway network.
Island Line History: Learn about the Rutland Railroad's Island Line for which the trail was named. At Airport Park, visit the Log Schoolhouse Information Center and Museum. Restored and relocated to Airport Park in 2007, this historic one-room schoolhouse dates back to 1815. Today, visitors can stop in to learn about the construction of the Colchester Causeway and watch an informative video. The museum is open Memorial Day through Labor Day on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 11:00AM to 3:00 PM.
Trail Manager
Visit Local Motion, Burlington Department of Parks & Recreation, Colchester Parks & Recreation, or Lake Champlain Land Trust online for more information or contact:
Local Motion
1 Steele St. #103
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802)861-2700
info@localmotion.org
View website
