Join us for the Grand Hike on Saturday, May 10th!

We are excited to invite you to our signature celebration of CATS' town-to-town trails! Prepare for an unforgettable day filled with joy, camaraderie, and the stunning beauty of the Champlain Valley's majestic low-peak mountains and lush farmlands.

  

Online registration now closed.  

You can register $55 per person on the day of the event. Children under 18 can hike for free and do not need to register!

  

We are excited to have you join us for this amazing 16-mile journey through the stunning Champlain Valley. To ensure you have an unforgettable experience, we have provided detailed information for you to review carefully. Please remember that the Grand Hike will occur regardless of weather, so be prepared for any conditions. All registration fees support our mission and are non-refundable.

  

EVENT DETAILS

When: Parking and Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m. at the Essex County Fairgrounds at 3 Sisco Street, Westport, NY 12993. During check-in, you will receive your shirt and sign a waiver if you haven't done so already. You can click here to sign the waiver in advance to expedite the check in process.

  

Shuttle buses to the Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center will depart the Essex County Fairgrounds at 9:15 a.m. and continue until approximately 10:45 a.m. Our Grand Marshal will welcome you to the Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center and kick off the first wave of hikers at 10:00 a.m. If you wish to shorten your hike, we encourage you to arrive later for check-in.

  

Where: Participants will check in at the Essex County Fairgrounds and take a shuttle to Twin Valleys, the hike’s starting point. Breakfast items, including coffee and breakfast sandwiches, will be available for purchase at Twin Valleys before the hike—CASH ONLY!

  

What to Expect: The hike covers approximately 14.5 miles on trails, with only a few road sections, and features an elevation gain of 1,532 feet, culminating outside The Whallonsburg Grange. You can customize your hike distance by taking shortcuts or adding trails, with options up to 16 miles. There will be four designated rest stops along the route, where shuttles will be available every 45 minutes, offering snacks, water, and porta-potties.

  

Click here for an AllTrails link to the Grand Hike route or download a map by clicking here.

  

What to Bring: Please be sure to wear waterproof boots or hiking shoes and consider packing extra socks since the trail will be wet from recent rain. Plus, pack a light rain jacket if you have one. Additionally, bring a water bottle and your own snacks to keep your energy up!

  

Post-Hike Celebration Details: After your hike, unwind with us at a relaxed post-hike celebration outside The Whallonsburg Grange from 2 to 7 p.m. Enjoy delicious food from local vendors available for purchase from 2 to 6 p.m. while listening to live community music and browsing art exhibits. Connect with local environmental organizations and take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments with fellow hikers in a laid-back atmosphere.

  

Post-Hike Transportation: Buses will start running back to the Essex County Fairgrounds at 2 p.m. and continue until 7 p.m. to return you to your vehicle.

  

FAQs:

  

- Parking: Parking is available at the Essex County Fairgrounds. Our friendly volunteers will guide you to the designated spots. Note that parking is not available at Twin Valleys. Shuttles will also return you to the Essex County Fairgrounds starting at 2 pm from the finish line and the post-event celebration.

  

- Pets: Dogs are welcome but must be restrained on a non-retractable leash and under your supervision. They are not allowed on shuttles. Consider having a friend drop you off at Twin Valleys while they park at the fairgrounds.

  

- Shorten Your Hike: If you can only walk part of the distance, shuttles will be available throughout the day to take you back to the post-hike celebration.

  

- Guests at the Celebration: Friends and family are welcome to join the post-hike celebration to celebrate your achievement! They can park at the fairgrounds and take a shuttle to The Grange.

  

- How can I share my photos from the hike? If you have any favorite photos from the hike, we'd be thrilled if you shared them with us! Seeing everyone enjoying the Champlain Area Trails makes us happy. Share your photos on social media by tagging @champlainareatrails or using #champlainareatrails. You can also email them to us at info@champlainareatrails.

  

Thank you for your patience during this exciting day! We’re thrilled to host the largest Grand Hike ever, with nearly 500 enthusiastic hikers and walkers joining us.

  

- The Crew at Champlain Area Trails

  

If you can’t make it but would still like to support CATS, please click to donate!

  

  

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!

All event proceeds support CATS' mission to save land, create and maintain trails that connect people to nature, and promote economic vitality in the Champlain Valley.