The Grand Hike is from Essex to Westport

on Saturday, May 11th!

  

Check-in: 9:00 am - 10:30 am.

"Après" party: 2:30 pm - 7:00 pm.

  

Join Champlain Area Trails for the 2024 Grand Hike, a delightful 14-mile walk through the beautiful forests and fields in the Champlain Valley. Along the way, we'll have four rest stops where you can find snacks, water, and porta-potties. You'll also have a chance to mingle with other hikers. If you want to walk only part of the distance, you can catch a shuttle back to the finish line and join the post-hike party!

  

The hike starts from the Essex Gateway Trailhead in Essex, NY, and ends in Westport, NY. After the hike, you can join the "après hike party" post-hike celebration at Winton's 1898 Tavern at Westport Golf and Country Club. This party will feature live music by the Headwall Band, drinks, and food to purchase. There will also be an outdoor games area for you to enjoy.

  

Everyone is welcome to attend the après hike party at Winton's 1898 Tavern at Westport Golf and Country Club, which we invite the community to participate in. So, if you can't make the hike, you can come to the party.

  

REGISTRATION:

• Click here to register as an individual.
• Click here to register as a family or group.

  

WAIVERS:

Click to fill out a hiker waiver for each hiker.

  

DONATE:

If you cannot attend but still want to support CATS, please click here to donate.

  

Contact Amber@champlainareatrails.com to sponsor or partner with the event.

  

  

Special thanks to our partners and sponsors:

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

MORE COMING SOON!

  

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ALL THE GRAND HIKE INFORMATION YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW

  

WHEN: The Grand Hike is on Saturday, May 11th. Check-in starts at 9:00 am and ends at 10:30 am. The "après" party starts at 2:30 pm and ends at 7 pm.

  

WHERE: Hikers will check in at Ballard Park in Westport, NY, and catch a shuttle bus to start the hike at the Essex Gateway Trailhead (three houses down from the Ferry parking) in Essex, NY. The hike ends in Westport, NY.

  

FAQ:

• Where should I park? Park at the golf course or throughout Westport, NY (plenty of parking along the street and surrounding Ballard Park neighborhoods).

  

• Can I bring my dog? Your leashed, four-legged furry friends are welcome to hike but cannot ride the shuttles.

  

• Do you have a description of the hiking route? Coming soon!

  

• What if I can only walk part of the 14 miles? We will have shuttles running throughout the day that will stop at every oasis to provide rides back to Westport for those who do not wish to do the entire hikeWe encourage you to click here to look at the route and the Oases' locations to plan.

  

Where can I stay overnight locally? Click here to explore local inns, hotels, motels, residential vacation rentals, and cottage & campgrounds. 

  

All event proceeds support our mission of saving land, making trails to connect people to nature, and promoting economic vitality in the Champlain Valley.