Champlain Area Trail Volunteers Prepare Trails for the Grand Hike on May 11th

Smiling volunteers celebrate the end of a rewarding week of giving back to the community.

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) embraced volunteers from Pennsylvania and South Carolina in the final week of April. These volunteers gathered to prepare the stage for CATS’s signature event: The Grand Hike. This 14-mile trek, scheduled for May 11, stretches from Essex to Westport, drawing hundreds to immerse in the Champlain Valley’s natural splendor. During the week, volunteers worked on CATS’s 98-mile trail network, clearing brush, constructing boardwalks, and repairing infrastructure.

CATS is preparing for its much-anticipated Grand Hike, a journey from Essex to Westport through the valley’s beautiful forests, fields, and scenic roads. Hikers will find four “oases” along the way, where they can rest and find refreshments and restrooms. A shuttle service is available for those who prefer a less demanding experience.

The hike begins in Essex, NY, and concludes at the historic Winton’s 1898 Tavern at the Westport Golf and Country Club in Westport, NY. After the hike, participants are invited to a party with live music, food and drinks for purchase, and outdoor games.

This volunteer effort was part of the American Hiking Society’s Volunteer Vacation program, fostering a partnership that bridges volunteers with trail organizations nationwide to support trail maintenance and enhancement.

Chris Maron, CATS’s Executive Director, expressed gratitude for the continuous support, stating, “Hosting our 11th year of volunteers through the American Hiking Society’s Volunteer Vacation program has been a privilege. Our organization’s success heavily relies on volunteer support to fulfill our mission of trail creation and maintenance. The dedication of these volunteers significantly contributes to the readiness for our annual Grand Hike, bringing over 400 enthusiasts to our region and promoting local tourism by showcasing the beauty of the Champlain Valley.”

On May 11th, check-in and registration for the Grand Hike are from 9:00-10:30 am at Ballard Park in Westport, followed by a bus ride to Essex Gateway in downtown Essex for the start of the hike. The post-hike celebration is open to all, with no entry fee. However, hike registration is required at $35 per person or $70 per family, with children under 18 participating for free. For further details and to register for the Grand Hike, please visit www.ChamplainAreaTrails.com.

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit organization, begun in 2009, which creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. In its short history, CATS has developed 35 miles of trails that when added to existing trails, gets it half-way toward the long-envisioned goal of a 30-mile trail loop between Westport and Essex. CATS will extend its trails to neighboring towns and eventually connect them to trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec. Learn more on the CATS website.