Champlain Area Trails Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Leichter Trail on National Trails Day, June 7th

photo of Franz and Nina Leichter — The new CATS Leichter Trail is a testament to the legacy of Franz and Nina Leichter.

Champlain Area Trails (CATS), an accredited land trust that creates and maintains trails, protects land, connects people with nature, and promotes economic vitality in New York’s Champlain Valley, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Leichter Trail on Saturday, June 7th, in Wadhams, NY.

The new Leichter Trail is a testament to the legacy of Franz and Nina Leichter. They spent their lives enriching the Adirondacks and New York State through public service and education, focusing on women’s rights, mental health, and environmental advocacy. This one-mile trail offers the pastoral vistas of the Champlain Valley, providing a peaceful and rejuvenating outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike.

“We are honored to celebrate the grand opening of the Leichter Trail on National Trails Day,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of Champlain Area Trails. “This trail not only connects people with the natural beauty of the Champlain Valley but also pays tribute to the remarkable contributions of Franz and Nina Leichter, who dedicated their lives to making our community and our world a better place.”

CATS has created and maintains over 100 miles of trails, conserved 3,000 acres of land directly and through partnerships, and hosts numerous hikes, outdoor education outings, and volunteer events, engaging year-round residents and attracting thousands of visitors to the region. The organization’s mission is to create and maintain a network of trails, conserve land, and promote economic vitality in the Champlain Valley, ensuring that the region’s natural resources are accessible and protected for generations to come.

The grand opening celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with a short ceremony, followed by a guided hike along the Leichter Trail. Attendees will learn about the trail’s history, the Leichter legacy, and CATS’ ongoing efforts to connect people with the great outdoors.

“We invite everyone to join us on National Trails Day as we celebrate the grand opening of the Leichter Trail,” said Arin. “This is a chance to experience the beauty of the Champlain Valley, honor the legacy of two remarkable individuals, and be a part of the growing community of trails making our region a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”

For more information about the Leichter Trail grand opening and CATS’ other outdoor events, hikes, and conservation efforts, please visit www.champlainareatrails.com or call 518-962-2287.

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.