A Scenic 320 km Journey Through History & Nature

Circle Vermont’s Lake Champlain (6th-largest U.S. lake) and New York’s Adirondack Coast on this 320 km loop blending Revolutionary War history, farm-fresh eats, and waterfront vistas.

Begin in Burlington, Vermont’s vibrant lakeside city. Fuel up at local cafes like Mirabelles and stroll the Church Street Marketplace before heading south.

Key Stops & Highlights

1. Shelburne Farms. A 1,400-acre working farm with cheese tastings, barn tours, and lakeside trails. Don’t miss the Inn at Shelburne Farms for Gilded Age grandeur.
2. Charlotte-Essex Ferry. Cross the lake to New York via this 20-minute scenic ferry ride (seasonal). Watch for osprey and bald eagles.
3. Lake Champlain Bridge. Return to Vermont via this photogenic span. Stop at Crown Point State Historic Site for ruins of 18th-century forts.
4. Fort Ticonderoga. Tour this star-shaped 1755 fort with live reenactments and views of Mount Defiance.
5. Ausable Chasm. Hike or raft the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” a 2 km sandstone gorge with waterfalls and cliffs.
6. Plattsburgh, NY. Visit the War of 1812 Museum or grab a burger at Irving’s Fish Fry, a lakeside institution since 1918.
7. Champlain Islands. Alburgh Dunes State Park: Swim at a sandy beach with sunset views of the Green Mountains. Snow Farm Vineyard: Sip award-winning wines amid lakeside vines.

Complete the loop with a lakeside drive past Camp Meade and Mallets Bay.

Tips for the Drive

• Distance: 320 km (allow 1–2 days).
• Season: May–Oct for ferry operation; fall foliage peaks in early October.
• Ferry Reservations: Book the Charlotte-Essex Ferry in advance (LCF Ferry).
• Wildlife: Watch for lake sturgeon, moose, and migratory birds.

For itineraries, lodging, and seasonal festivals: www.lakechamplainregion.com