Champlain Area Trails Grand Hike on May 11th Supports Making Trails and Saving Land in NY’s Champlain Valley.

Hikers from the 2019 CATS Grand Hike (Credit: ZVD Photography)

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is hosting its Grand Hike, a popular community event, on May 11th. This 14-mile town-to-town hike from Essex to Westport offers outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities a chance to experience the beauty of the Champlain Valley while supporting CATS’ mission to make and maintain hiking trails and protect land.

Thanks to the support of local businesses, Lomanto Provost Financial Advisors, Chazy Westport Communications, Strictly Business Marketing Solutions, Champlain National Bank, and Institute of Climate Studies USA, all proceeds from the event will directly support CATS’ programs and services. The hikers’ registration fees will help CATS advance its mission to create trails and protect land. Families can enjoy hiking together, as children under 18 are free.

CATS, an accredited land trust founded in 2009, has created and maintained over 98 miles of trails, protected 983 acres of land, and hosted hundreds of outdoor education events. The nonprofit organization attracts thousands of visitors yearly to the Champlain Valley through its hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails.

Chris Maron, Executive Director of CATS, said, “We want to unite the community through this collaborative hiking experience. The Grand Hike is an opportunity for people of all fitness levels to connect with nature and each other while supporting the important work we do to conserve this special place.”

The Grand Hike will have “oases” every few miles with snacks, water, and portable toilets. Hikers who can only complete part of the 14 miles can take shuttles to each oasis, where they can begin the hike or from each oasis to the end. After the hike, all participants can enjoy an “après-hike” party at Winton’s 1898 Tavern at the Westport Golf Course, the trail’s end, where they can purchase food and drinks and listen to live music.

Dan Keegan, Board Chair of CATS, said, “This event demonstrates the power of partnerships between nonprofits, businesses, and community members. By working together, we can create opportunities for people to experience the outdoors, raise funds for an important cause, and promote tourism in our region.”

The après-hike party is free for everyone, including non-hikers. The hike costs $30 per person and $60 per family until May 6th. After that date, the price is $35 per person and $70 per family. Children under 18 can join for free. To register for the Grand Hike and learn more about the event, 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.