Champlain Area Trails (CATS) creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in New York's Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. In its short history, CATS' has developed over 78 miles of trails for YOU to enjoy!  

You can help create and maintain trails by participating in our trail projects. Join our email list to stay updated on how to help by clicking here. 

*We are updating our website with new trails as they are developed! If you cannot find a trail route here, refer to the back of your CATS map for trail descriptions. Physical maps can be found in the kiosk outside our Westport office, or you can request them by clicking here!*​

Trail Alerts 

**Please take all necessary precautions when hiking our trails in the winter. **  Make sure to have microspikes handy, as there are sections of trail that are particularly icy.  When the snow is deeper than half a foot, avoid postholing when using snowshoes or XC skis.  Postholes create dangerous and unpleasant conditions for XC skiers.**

Lee Park Trail: The trail is currently closed from the main trailhead at Lee Park due to damaged bridges. The Trail is still accessible from Front Street.

Eagle Mountain Preserve - Benny's Trail: Flooding has returned to the beaver dam area 1/2 from the trailhead. The water is currently ankle-deep.

Viall's Crossing Trail: The trail between the Westport Storage and UHaul Rental and the John Brown Trail junction is closed for the foreseeable future. Please contact our office with any questions.

 Essex Gateway Trail:  Please keep in mind that this trail goes through an active farm that has rotational grazing.  There will be times when an electrical fence will block the trail.  When this happens, please turn around and return to the trailhead.  

Download our latest set of paper trail maps here:

Central Champlain Valley Trail Map Northern Champlain Valley Trail Map