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The northern end of Lake Champlain in Vermont is chocked full of islands with grand adventures. Whether you want to hike, paddle, bike, or camp, there are stunning areas in the Champlain Islands for all outdoor adventures.
The Champlain Islands are a special place. The wide-open farm pastures backed by glimpses of Lake Champlain are sprinkled with an apple orchard here and a stand of oaks there. Surely, the most remarkable phenomenon of the islands is the light. The muted light of morning illuminates the mountains across the lake. But, the evenings on the Champlain Islands are even more spectacular. The buttery light before the sun sets bathes everything in beauty. And those sunsets. Dipping into the Adirondacks, the sun tucks itself away with a glorious finale. It’s really worth coming to the Champlain Islands just for the sunsets.
But if you want a scoop of outdoor adventure with that sunset pie, the Champlain Islands will deliver.
South Hero/Grand Isle
The outdoor adventures of South Hero are as fascinating as they are exciting. South Hero is the fishhook-shaped south end of Grand Isle, although the whole island is also called South Hero Island when it’s not called Grand Isle. Go figure. With a lake view around every corner, South Hero is a popular summer destination. But you won’t find theme parks or wide sand beaches. Instead, you will fall in love with the charming bucolic beauty of the island that takes you back in time.
Biking on Grand Isle
Touring the quiet roads by bike is an amazing way to experience the South Hero area. Where else will you find stone castles, a birdhouse forest, and the spirit of a kissing donkey along a bike route? Lake Champlain Bikeways has a slew of mapped routes on the website for the Champlain Islands.
Stone Castles Bicycle Loop
The Stone Castles route will bring you into a magical fairyland of tiny houses. For more on the South Hero biking check out my blog post here.
I like to add to this bike loop by starting from the Colchester Causeway to get the incredible feeling of biking across an inland sea. Park at Causeway Park off Mills Point Rd. in Colchester. Then ride the Island Line Trail across the causeway.
The Local Motion bike ferry shuttles cyclists and their bikes across the Gut, the opening in the causeway that allows boats access to the rest of the lake. Always check to make sure the ferry is in operation before going.
Once you are on South Hero it’s time to start your quest for stone castles. Locals will tell you that Harry Barber came to the area from Switzerland, married a local fruit seller, and settled down. To feed his artistic cravings and remember his Swiss homeland, he made tiny castles from Vermont fieldstones. If you search hard, you will be able to find them on the bike loop. The castles are intricate and detailed artwork. Imagine a gnome emerging and heading across the tiny drawbridge to greet you.
Allenholm Farm
While biking for castles there are a few stops along the way not to be missed. First is Allenholm Farm. Apple picking here goes back seven generations so you can be sure they know how to grow apples. They also know how to make apple pies and maple creemees. Soft serve ice cream infused with pure maple syrup is a Vermont tradition and quite addicting.
Birdhouse forest
As you cycle along West Shore Drive, a huge condominium complex will appear across from White’s Beach. What? Condos on quaint South Hero?
Don’t worry. You have found the birdhouse forest where hundreds of colorful birdhouses grace the woods. Years ago, the owners of the swampy woodland built a few bird boxes to attract tree swallows. The idea was that the birds would keep the mosquito population at bay. The project grew as more swallows needed housing to where there are more than 400 multicolored structures. Throw in a dinosaur or two for true whimsy and it’s a can’t miss site on your bike tour.
Snow Farm Vineyard
Find a stone castle on the lawn of the Crescent Bay Farm Bed and Breakfast right before coasting down the hill to the Snow Farm Vineyard. The vineyard has tastings of their wine, locally produced snacks, and holds popular free summer concerts on the lawn.
Since biking and wine don’t go well together for me, they are kind enough to give me a tiny taste so I can get a bottle for my pannier to enjoy when the ride is finished. The Fox Hill trails at the farm climb up behind the vineyard for expansive views of Lake Champlain and the causeway.
Historic homes
Quiet roads to cycle on in the Champlain Islands abound. There is an 11-mile loop on the Grand Isle part of the island too. This cycle tour called Island Life involves flying down uncrowded roads on each shore of the northern end of Grand Isle with stunning views of the lake. Hyde Cabin, touted as possibly the oldest in the United States, is worth a stop to absorb some history. When it’s open, the tour guide in period costume is very knowledgeable.
While the log cabin may be the oldest, other residents of the area prior to the cabin construction in 1783 also made the Champlain Islands their home. They arrived over 11,300 years ago and have lived in the Champlain Valley continuously since that time. The islands are the ancestral home of the Western Abenaki who hunted, fished, foraged wild foods, and farmed in the area until driven out by white colonization. They traveled in birch bark canoes on the waterways and built bark-covered houses. The Abenaki populations in Vermont were decimated by infectious disease and forced sterilization. Therefore, while cycling on this beautiful island, I want to remember the complete history of those who made homes here.
Camping on the Champlain Islands
Grand Isle State Park is the centerpiece of camping in the Champlain Islands. There are 115 tent/RV sites, 36 lean-to sites, and 4 cabin sites in this most-visited campground in the Vermont state park system. There is an extensive waterfront for fishing and a beautiful swim beach. Plus, there is a nature center and nature walks. The park is an excellent base for biking throughout the Champlain Islands.
North Hero Island
In contrast to the one island with two names –South Hero/Grand Isle, is the island with two islands and one name–North Hero. Go figure.
North Hero is bookended by two state parks–Knight Point and North Hero state parks. A quick left after the drive across the causeway to North Hero Island will bring you to Knight Point State Park. There is a swimming beach, boat rentals, boat launch, and picnic areas. A trail travels over meadows to a forest then emerges on a cobbled beach on Lake Champlain. Ducks, loons, eagles and water birds can be spotted here.
The heart of island life on North Hero is the general store. Hero’s Welcome has everything you need and lots of stuff you don’t need but want. But it’s a great place to stock up for camping or biking. The overstuffed deli sandwiches are perfect for a beach picnic and the pies are the best in the islands (and perhaps the planet).
On the extreme north point of North Hero Island rests North Hero State Park. The underutilized park has swimming and a boat launch. If you really want to do a small boat crossing of Lake Champlain, the paddle across to Clark Point on the mainland is only a mile.
Alburg “Island”
Alburg is a peninsula surrounded by Lake Champlain on 3 sides and bordered by Canada to the north. While technically not one of the Champlain Islands, there are enough fabulous outdoor adventures to include it here.
The dunes at Alburg Dunes State Park are part of an ancient barrier beach like those in the ocean. The park prides itself on having one of the longest sand beaches on Lake Champlain. It’s a popular place to launch a paddleboard and explore the nearby coves. They also rent kayaks and canoes.
A hike along the interpretive trail in the back of the dunes is worth the time. I saw beaver activity, many migrating birds, and a few friendly but shy Northern Watersnakes. The large black spruce bog in the wetlands is visible from the trail.
Alburg Recreational Rail-Trail
Bikers will find the 3.5 miles of rail-trail riding to be a trip through a nature diorama. Listen to the plop, plop, plop of sunning painted turtles as they scoot off logs in Mud Creek as you ride by. The trill of red-winged blackbirds in the cattails will echo through your ride. Plus, spectacular wetlands are on either side of the rail trail. The trail is rough in spots so leave your road bike home. Access to Lake Champlain at Alburg Lakeshore Park is off the rail trail.
The peaceful roads along the west side of Alburgh are also a tad otherworldly for cycling. Glide past dairy farms as the cool breezes from the lake surround you.
Isle La Motte
If you are looking for a biking mecca take a spin on Isle La Motte. With only one road onto this island, the cycling is like having your own private carriage roads to ride on. The Legacy of Ancient Stone bike loop takes you to all the sites on the island in a 10-mile loop.
The bike loop starts at the Saint Anne’s Shrine on the west shore. There is a nice swimming beach here for a quick dip before pedaling. A statue of a Native American paddler showing French colonist Samuel de Champlain where he should go is at the site. Can’t tell if Champlain listened to him.
The geological history of Isle La Motte is a highpoint of the bike ride. The Chazy Fossil Reef National Natural Landmark includes Isle La Motte. Fossils in the reef can be found at several sites–the Goodsell Ridge Preserve and the Fisk Quarry Preserve.
At the Goodsell Ridge Preserve, there are several miles of hiking trails winding through areas with an abundance of visible fossils.
At Fish Quarry Preserve the fossils are even older. As a former quarry, you can travel around the east coast to find the Fish Quarry black “marble” used in Radio City Music Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the National Gallery of Art.
Hiking on the Champlain Islands
Champlain Islands hiking is more suited to strolls through forested floodplains and beachcombing. Hikers in search of strenuous trails should visit the Green Mountains or the Adirondacks. Yet, there are pleasant natural areas to wander to see wildlife and wildflowers in season.
Hikers looking for beaches and great views need to look no further than Niquette Bay State Park. The park is a hiking jewel before you get to the Champlain Islands. The park entrance is right before the entrance to South Hero Island on Route 2. There are about 4 miles of trails through forested plains and hills. The trails to the beaches that look out to the beauty of Malletts Bay are worth hiking. But there are also some incredible vistas on the Island View loop trail. The striking view of Mt. Mansfield on one side of the loop is matched in beauty by a glimpse of the Lake Champlain islands on the other side.
Mt.Mansfield from the Island View Loop 
Champlain Islands from Island View trail
Butternut Hill in North Hero has 2 miles of trails through cedar forest down to Lake Champlain for a swim and stone skipping. Park at Camp Ingalls, an old 4-H camp on South End Rd.
Ironwood Nature Trail is a 1-mile nature trail that begins at the Grand Isle State Park access road at the corner of East Shore Road. Many ironwood trees grow along the trail, hence the name. The trail traverses a wetland forest and across a bedrock formation.
Don’t miss this post on 25 Day Hikes in Northern Vermont for more information on hiking nearby.
Remote Islands of the Champlain Islands
To get a taste of remote island life, the small wilderness islands on Lake Champlain are great places for outdoor adventure. Three gorgeous remote island state parks are nestled between North Hero Island and Vermont mainland near St. Albans. The state park islands of Burton, Knight, and Woods offer camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. Plus, pitching a hammock and reading a good book works too.
I’ve camped on many of the Champlain Islands over the years. I’m reminded of a line from a Rachel Field poem, “If once you have slept on an Island, you’ll never be quite the same.” Having your own piece of waterfront property on a camping trip can’t be beaten. Dozing off under a brilliant night sky and waking to waves splashing on the beach is nirvana. And with so many stones for kids to skip and ferny fairy places in the woods, families will build lifetime memories on these islands. And you’ll never be quite the same.
Burton Island State Park
Burton Island bustles with activity in the summer. A 100-slip marina has flashy cruising boats tied up to let off day-trippers or using provided electricity to dock overnight. There is a bistro with island visitors lined up for their coffee or to resupply their adult beverages. Bands of biking tweeners leaving dust behind them speed down the campground trails. But with nary a car on the island, the joy of island life still offers a feeling of slowing down. Families return year after year to give everyone a taste of beloved Burton Island magic.
Island Runner Ferry transports campers and their gear from Kill Kare State Park to Burton seven times daily. The crossing takes 10 minutes. In addition to 14 tent sites and 26 lean-tos on the northeast end of the island, there are three 3 ADA-accessible lake-view cabins with beds for 4 people. Amenities include pay showers, flush toilets, freshwater, and gasp, WiFi. There are ample places to swim from campsites as well as a designated swim beach. Rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes give everyone a chance to be active. The island trails are enjoyed by day visitors as well as campers. An island naturalist interprets the natural and cultural history of the island with hikes and campfire programs. Dogs are welcome and have an off-leash area to run along the shore.
For more information on Burton Island, read this informative post by Backroad Ramblers.
Primitive camping on Burton Island
Paddlers looking for a wilderness feel will find four paddle-in sites on the southeast side of the island that fit the bill. There are fire rings, picnic tables, and privies nearby but no running water. Primitive campers who want to grab a shower or fill water bottles can hike the Southern Tip trail about a mile to the center of activity on the northeast side of Burton. But do make it back for the evening show. Scurry out to the southern point of the island for the grand finale sunset.
Knight Island State Park
Knight Island is the second largest of the Lake Champlain island state parks with 185 acres of wooded beauty. Camping is by reservation only during the season for the 7 remote campsites. There are 6 sites with lean-tos and one tent site, all out of sight from each other, adding to the remote feeling. A signposted nature trail around the island reveals the island’s history of farming and other natural features. Stone beaches surrounding the island invite swimming and wading. The rocky shallows off the north tip of the island are a fun playground for kids.
Campsites have a fire ring and nearby composting privy. There is no potable water, so bring your own or filter, treat, or boil lake water. The ferry dock on the west side of the island is up to a mile away from some campsites so you might be schlepping gear quite a distance. While there are no docks at the campsites, the landing beaches near each are accessible to paddle craft. Therefore, you will probably be able to unload gear at your campsite.
Launch your boat from the beach adjacent to Knight Point State Park and leave your car in the lot there for free. Power boaters might prefer to launch from Kill Kare State Park near St. Albans. Alternatively, North Hero’s Welcome General Store has a ramp and parking for a fee. They also rent canoes and kayaks for transportation to Knight. Looking for something easier? Check Driftwood Tours for a water taxi to the islands.
Woods Island State Park
Woods Island is the smallest and most remote of the state park islands. And it also has the most poison ivy. Either bring a quart of calamine lotion or learn the “leaves of three, let it be” mantra and tread carefully. In spite of the poison ivy, Woods is a gorgeous wilderness island. Five campsites are generously dispersed over the 125-acre island with a 2-mile trail connecting them. The bluff campsite on the southwest point is choice for views and a breeze to keep the bugs at bay so try to score that one on the park reservation line. Yet, any of the campsites on Woods will confirm the Rachel Fields poem.
Sandwiched between Burton and Knight Islands, the 2-mile paddle from Kill Kare State Park is the preferred route to Woods Island. Parking is available at Kill Kare. Although the island landing is marked on the east side, paddle craft can easily access the pocket beaches near the campsites. Fishing and swimming are excellent on Woods Island. Each campsite has a fire ring and a composting privy. There is no potable water so bring water or filter/treat lake water. Responsible boaters practicing good Leave No Trace camping are the preferred visitors.
Reservations for the state park islands
Advance reservations for all three state park islands are strongly advised to prevent disappointment on arrival. There are three ways to make reservations at Vermont State Parks: reserve on-line, call the Reservation Call Center during regular business hours or call the park directly during the camping season.
Reservations for some of the prime lean-tos and cabins on Burton Island are as tough to get as a ticket to Hamilton, so book early. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance of your camping date. Check the Vermont State Park website (https://vtstateparks.com/) for details including availability, location, and specific pricing of the campsites. Camping fees range from $19 per primitive tent site for 4 people to $40 for a Burton Island waterfront lean-to site.
Looking for more solitude? Midweek camping has much more availability. Camping out of season also yields many unclaimed sites and is free of charge. The off-season camping season officially runs from November 1- April 1 but you’ll find privacy out on the islands any time after Labor Day.
Law Island
Another remote island for camping is Law Island south of South Hero near the Colchester Causeway. Towering limestone bluffs grace the west side of the island, providing exquisite views of terns diving for dinner, wedges of Canada geese migrating, and the sun giving a show as it dips behind appropriately named Sunset Island to disappear into the Adirondacks.
On a recent trip to Law Island, the resident Bald Eagle perched above the landing carefully eyed me as I pulled in. Eagles nest on the island and the big bird was curious about what kind of visitor I’d be. Since there’s no guarantee of a Bald Eagle marking the landing every time, look for an east-facing cobble beach in a cove adjacent to the causeway. A spacious campsite is on the northwest point nestled in among the cedars and oaks. If it’s occupied, there are several gorgeous cliffside sites to tuck in a tent or two. Just make sure no one in your group sleepwalks.
At the main campsite, there is a picnic table and a large fieldstone fireplace leftover from a prior settlement on the island. Follow the scenic island ring trail to find the outhouse. There is no water source except for Lake Champlain water purification. Island visitors should carry out their own trash. The camping is free but a donation to the Lake Champlain Land Trust, the non-profit that conserved the island, is always welcome.
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Law Island, like the more northern state park islands, is on the route of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile paddling trail from Old Forge, New York, to Fort Kent, Maine. This section is managed by the Lake Champlain Committee. Members of the Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail receive a guidebook detailing boat launches, lake information, and over 600 campsites throughout the entire Lake Champlain region. The organization supports excellent environmental stewardship of the Lake Champlain basin through education and advocacy.
Champlain Islands Wrap-Up
The range of outdoor adventure in the Champlain Islands runs from easy hikes out to a Lake Champlain swim beach to long-distance cycle trips through the whole Champlain Islands chain. Because the Champlain Islands are a short drive from Burlington and other mainland destinations, a trip to the islands can be integrated with other travel to Vermont, Quebec, or New York. Enjoy the Champlain Islands in all seasons. Take a step back in time when you arrive on the islands. Remember, you’ll never be the same when you leave.
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30 Comments
Sue tippett · June 23, 2020 at 7:17 am
Very thorough. Many folks will find this information useful and inspiring. Beautiful I’m pictures too.
Karen · June 28, 2020 at 10:36 am
Thanks, Sue. Glad you liked it.
Susan W Linton · June 23, 2020 at 9:07 am
I love the poetic descriptions of your adventures. It makes me want to visit. South Hero Island sounds like an ” I spy” adventure finding all the little secret spaces.
Karen · June 28, 2020 at 10:38 am
Finding the stone castles is a true I spy adventure. There is still one on the map I’m looking for but I found the others. It’s magical.
Tranquil Trekker · June 23, 2020 at 1:36 pm
This looks beautiful. Lake Champlain has long been on my list of places to visit, thanks for the info!
Karen · June 28, 2020 at 10:39 am
You can’t go wrong with a visit to any sites along Lake Champlain. The light due to the lake is incredible.
Kim · June 24, 2020 at 1:47 pm
I had no idea there were so many things to do in Champlain, looks so beautiful!
Karen · June 28, 2020 at 10:40 am
These are only the outdoor adventures. So much more to do.
Kelly · June 24, 2020 at 2:42 pm
I will have to keep the Champlain Islands in mind to visit when I do a roadtrip to Vermont. It doesn’t really get any better than biking, hiking and wine, all in one spot!
Karen · June 28, 2020 at 10:40 am
I totally agree!
Sharon · June 25, 2020 at 8:04 am
I love the idea of the bird boxes to keep away the mosquitoes… very cute and quirky at the same time. Sounds like a great place to visit!
Karen · June 28, 2020 at 10:41 am
I love the bird boxes so much I bought a couple from the guy for my own property. They are so fun.
Tara · June 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm
I didn’t know about Law Island. I’m so excited to check that out! We have been going to the islands annually for years, but we had to cancel our trip this year, which was such a bummer. Glad I can live vicariously through you!
Karen · June 28, 2020 at 10:42 am
We are only a 3-mile paddle from our house to Law Island so if you decide to check it out, let me know and you can launch for our place. I’d love to meet you in person.
Vanessa Shields · June 26, 2020 at 11:37 pm
I have never heard of Lake Champlain but it looks so beautiful and peaceful! I would definitely enjoy camping there and doing a lot of hikes, bike rides and kayaking. And of course picking apples too. Adding to my growing list of places I’d like to visit!
Caroline Muller · June 27, 2020 at 2:30 am
There is so much to do here! I have to go back and explore more
Kristen · June 27, 2020 at 3:56 am
I love going places where I can do lots of outdoor activities, so I’m glad you included that here! Thanks for sharing!
Patricija · June 27, 2020 at 4:02 am
What a detailed guide, love it! The birdhouse forest was my fav – so charming 🙂
Susan · June 27, 2020 at 10:48 am
Oh my gosh, this place is adorable! I’d love to visit and do, well, everything you suggested. The biking tour looks like a fun way to explore the area and enjoy the views from every direction. Thanks for sharing!
Alanna Koritzke · June 27, 2020 at 1:46 pm
I’ve never even heard of Champlain Islands but it looks like a super fun place to visit with lots to do! Thanks for sharing.
Margarida Vasconcelos · June 27, 2020 at 6:28 pm
What a great outdoors adventure. How wonderful that must have been to camp on the island watching the sunset. Thank you for sharing.
Linn · June 28, 2020 at 4:20 am
Such a fun place to go! I’l love to explore by bike! I love the outdoors and really hope to get there one day.
Keira · June 28, 2020 at 11:53 am
I’m a massive outdoorsy person and love any nature related activities so this guide is my kind of thing! Love how detailed and in depth you went; sounds like such a fun place to visit ☺️
Jen Ambrose · June 28, 2020 at 10:40 pm
This is great! Burlington is one of my absolute favorite towns. We used to go up there all the time when we lived in Boston, but I think South Hero is the only one of the islands I’ve been to! I would love to camp on Law Island, it looks like such a gorgeous spot.
Kelly · June 28, 2020 at 11:18 pm
I had never heard of the Champlain Island before, but it looks like a lovely spot! I would love to visit Vermont one day and take a day trip to this area. Thanks for all the great suggestions 🙂
Tina · June 29, 2020 at 8:54 am
I’ve never heard of Champlain Islands, looks lovely!! I love the birdnest forest, so cute!
Farrah · July 2, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Ahh, so pretty! I went to Vermont a couple years back and got to hang out for a short while by Lake Champlain–would love to do more exploring there someday!
shalzmojo · October 17, 2020 at 12:26 am
Wow that sunset picture sure is stunning. I like the description of the buttery sunlight- quite apt 🙂 You have included a tonne of valuable information in this post about the islands and thee activities one can take here.
Andrea Cannon · October 18, 2020 at 1:18 am
Wow I have never heard of this place but it looks amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Josy A · October 23, 2020 at 11:38 pm
What a gorgeous area!
Now I have seen your post about the viewpoints in Vermont I think I would love this area in the autumn…but does it get crazily cold here once the weather cools and the trees change colour? I like the idea of camping in the off season, but I’d be worried that I would freeze!