Over the weekend Dave and I biked from Burlington to the Champlain Islands on the Island Line Trail. Built in 1900 by the Rutland Railroad, the former rail bed is now a popular Vermont bike path.One of the best parts of the trail is the Colchester-South Hero Causeway, a narrow stretch that crosses Lake Champlain. While biking (or walking) the 2.5-mile Causeway, you'll see panoramic views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks and be surrounded by a wide expanse of open water. You'll also spot people fishing, swimming and snorkeling on both sides of the Causeway as you peddle by.
Another reason to bike the Island Line Trail is the Bike Ferry, which transports passengers and their bikes across a 200-foot gap in the Causeway near the southern tip of South Hero. The ferry offers service on weekends from July 3 to Labor Day.
Dave and I ended up biking 30 miles round-trip on the Island Line Trail and beyond, which was a record trek for us. Even though we were a bit sore and exhausted afterward, it was one of the best days we've had all year.
**If you go: Bike Rentals at Local Motion
The Bike Ferry
Champlain Bikeways
Map
The Causeway Bike Ferry on Lake Champlain.
A view of the Colchester-South Hero Causeway facing south. 
A sailboat near the Causeway. 
Taking a break in South Hero. 
That looks like so much fun Erica! Though I'm not sure about the 30 mile part. My legs would be jello afterwards.
ReplyDeleteLovely! Great pictures :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon - We had a blast! The 30 mile part wasn't planned, and our legs were all jello by the end of the ride.
ReplyDeleteHi Erin -- Thank you!
I remember when this opened (or at least a portion of the trail opened). The spot where you took a break in South hero looks like a great vantage point.
ReplyDeleteWow..thats a long bike ride..I would have lots of sore spots after that..looks like a lovely area.
ReplyDeleteHope to do some biking in Acadia National park this week..
Hi Matt - You would love the trail, especially along the Causeway and the Champlain Islands. It's like a different world up there from Burlington!
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn -- We were definitely hurting after the ride! But the views made it well worth the trek. Biking in Acadia sounds great. Have fun!