Champlain Area Trails Extends 2020 Grand Challenge Hike

Tom Bebee and family on the Viall’s Loop Trail for the 2020 Grand Challenge Hike

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) has extended its 2020 Grand Challenge to December 31^st, 2020. Participants can register on the CATS website. Hike one of three challenge routes described on the CATS website, and earn a limited-edition commemorative patch.

Hikers can choose one of three routes based on what they are comfortable with. The easiest is the short but sweet 1.4-mile Wildway Passage Trail loop in Westport. This scenic hike features streams, rocky ledges, and is an important link in the Split Rock Wildway, a wildlife corridor connecting Lake Champlain to the mountain region.

The Challenge’s moderate route is the Viall’s Crossing loop, a staple in the CATS network of trails, and a favorite right in Westport. It goes through forests and fields with nice views of the area’s bucolic landscape. Hikers who plan right can stop at Ledge Hill Brewery, which is along the Challenge route, and enjoy their offerings.

The most difficult route in the challenge is the Boquet Ridge Ramble, which leads participants to the summit of North Boquet Mountain and has stunning views of the valley and High Peaks. Full details, including downloadable maps and directions of the described routes, are provided on the CATS website.

CATS usually hosts the annual “Grand Hike” in May. a 14-mile long community hike and fundraising event that goes from hamlet to hamlet, combining CATS trails and some scenic backroads. Due to COVID-19, the plans had to be altered for safety concerns.

“We had to switch up how we did our Grand Hike this year,” said Chris Maron, CATS Executive Director, “So we decided to offer the Grand Challenge, a self-managed event where people can hike on their own but still show their support for CATS while connecting to this magnificent landscape. People really seem to be enjoying this and we would like the Challenge to become an annual tradition.”

The 2020 CATS Grand Challenge began on September 21^st as a fundraiser to support its mission of making trails, saving land, connecting people with nature, and promoting economic vitality. CATS encourages people to register with a $25 donation and complete one of three trail loops. Participants who complete the challenge by December 31^st will receive the iconic patch designed by Willsboro resident and CATS Board Member, Rob Powell. This extension allows for the chance to hopefully see some skis and snowshoes complete the challenge, weather permitting.

“We’ve had a fantastic turnout for the Challenge thus far and we are so grateful for all of the participants showing their support of CATS and their interest in getting outside and connecting with nature,” said Derek Rogers, CATS Development Director. “We are encouraging people to send us their selfies, tag us on social media (@champlainareatrails), and use the hashtags #2020GrandChallenge and #ChamplainAreaTrails.”

CATS has constructed life-size selfie picture frames on each trail that people can stand in for photos while completing the Challenge. CATS invites people to support this fundraising effort, even if participation is not possible, the CATS team is happy to send you a patch.

About Champlain Area Trails (CATS)

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.