Champlain Area Trails to Host Hikes During Community Days This Weekend

Champlain Area Trails (CATS), an accredited land trust founded in 2009, invites families and walkers to explore nature through two community events in Essex and Moriah this weekend. CATS has made 78 miles of trails, protected 983 acres, and hosted hundreds of hikes, outdoor education outings, and volunteer events, attracting thousands of visitors to the natural beauty of the Adirondack’s Champlain Valley.

On Saturday, August 5th, at 9 AM, CATS will lead a hike on the Essex Gateway Trail as part of Essex Day celebrations. The 3-mile trail is rated as easy to moderate, perfect for families with kids or those looking for a flatter walk. This trail goes through various landscapes, including forests and the pastures and farmlands of Essex Farm, a “CSA farm” whose members receive the full array of farm products.

Also, on Saturday, August 5th, at 8 AM, CATS will host a hike up Coot Hill in Moriah as part of the Champ Day Festival. The 1-mile roundtrip hike climbs 196 feet in elevation to reach the top of Coot Hill, which offers panoramic views of the Champlain Valley, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and Lake Champlain. The hike is ideal for families or anyone looking to experience the scenic beauty of the Adirondacks.

“The Essex Gateway Trail and Coot Hill are two of our more popular trails, offering breathtaking views with minimal effort,” said Chris Maron, Executive Director of CATS. “We are excited to invite families and walkers out on the trails this weekend to experience the scenic beauty of our region. Events like Essex Day and Champ Day Festival are a perfect opportunity for us to showcase the trails available to our local communities and promote an active lifestyle for all ages.”

CATS provides public access to private areas, makes trails, protects open spaces, and promotes appreciation of the outdoors. Their family-friendly hikes and events aim to inspire future generations of environmental stewards and trail enthusiasts. With over 78 miles of trails and nearly 1,000 acres of protected land, CATS has established itself as a leader in conservation and outdoor recreation in the Champlain Valley.

To learn more and register for the hikes, 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.