Rock Point

Description

Burlington's hidden gem, Rock Point Property - is a system of public trails on private property. People come to Rock Point to walk, seek solitude, learn, play, sing, pray, think, share, and be. Rock Point is a welcoming sanctuary in the heart of Burlington. We welcome community members and ask you to respect the guidelines below, which will keep this unique natural area protected for others to enjoy.

The most accessible trail is a 4-foot wide compacted stone dust path with minimal slopes and cross slopes. There is one rest stop with a bench at the viewing platform overlooking the lake.  See Trail Access Information below for more information about this Accessible Experience including the northern portion of the Thurst Fault Trail.

Rock Point offers over two miles of gentle walking and hiking trails on 130 acres of privately owned and conserved land along the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington. The trails are available for public use thanks to a partnership with the Lake Champlain Land Trust and the City of Burlington (see guidelines). Thanks to a partnership with City of Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, our trail system links up with the City's. The trail system was renovated in 2020 and now features kiosks at trailheads, wayfinding maps at junctions, and blazes along the trails along with a more accessible trail. Note that portions of the Holy Trinity Trail are closed for part of the summer to provide privacy for summer camps.

There is no charge to use Rock Point's Hiking Trails, but you must obtain a trail pass before arriving: Click here to get a trail pass.
We invite you to consider a voluntary contribution to help maintain Rock Point and its trails.

Read about Accessibility Ambassador Enock Glidden's visit to these trails in his wheelchair in Trail Talk...

TRAIL ACCESS INFORMATION

Other Information

• HOURS: Dawn to dusk; no night-time hiking.

• DOGS: ALL dogs must be properly leashed and with you at all times. This helps to protect the endangered species and vulnerable soil on our property, and also shows respect for other visitors who may not feel comfortable with dogs approaching them. Please clean up and dispose of waste.

• LEAVE NO TRACE: Carry out what you carry in (no glass).

• PRIVATE PROPERTY: Rock Point's trails are located on land that is privately owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont; please respect that some buildings and areas of the property are marked PRIVATE and are not open to the public.

• STAY ON TRAILS: To protect endangered wildlife and keep trails maintained, stick to marked paths; no camping, boat launching, or hammocks.

• RESPECT SIGNS & STAFF INSTRUCTIONS: Staff and volunteers may remind you of the property rules or ask you to respect specific instructions.  Please show respect for these requests.

• NO SWIMMING: Rock Point beaches and waterfront are not open for public swimming.

• NO BICYCLES: Rock point is home to many rare plants and thin soil that erodes easily (the Burlington Bike Path can be accessed from our property but bikes must be left at kiosk)

• NO PICKING, FORAGING, FEEDING, HUNTING:  Please leave plants and wildlife alone.

• NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, NO SMOKING

• NO NUDITY

• NO CAMPIRES or CAMPING

• NO FIREWORKS

• ROCK CLIMBING is limited to those who have registered with CRAG (see bottom of this page)

Trail Manager

Rock Point is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont and is protected under a conservation easement through the Lake Champlain Land Trust. Learn more about the trails and area here.