Join CATS’ Second Grand Inn-to-Inn Hike

The Grand Hike on Champlain Area Trails. (Logo designed by Steven Kellogg.)

Please join CATS’ Second Grand Inn-to-Inn Hike on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Walk the entire 14 mile route from the Westport Hotel to the Essex Inn on Champlain Area Trails and scenic roads, or take a shorter route by starting at any of the oases along the way and just walk part of the way. Plan to arrive at the Essex Inn around 4:00 p.m. to enjoy the block party celebration featuring live music, restorative yoga, chair massage, and more. The oases will have tasty snacks, water, and porta-potties.

Everyone is welcome for the hike and the party. Suggested donation to register for the hike is $5. Visit The Grand Inn to Inn Hike page of the CATS website for more information, to download a map of the hike, to register for the hike, and to enjoy some of the photos from last year’s hike!

Here’s the Schedule

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Check-in and Registration. (Local restaurants and markets will be open if you’d like to come early and start with breakfast or pick up something for lunch along the way.)
11:00 – 12:00 noon – Begin Hiking!
4:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Block Party in the Essex Inn Courtyard.

If you would prefer not to walk the entire 14 miles, below are the suggested start times at the various oases to ensure you arrive in Essex in time to enjoy the Block Party.

Oasis 1 – 12:30 p.m.
Oasis 2 – 1:15 p.m.
Oasis 3 – 2:45 p.m.
Oasis 3a – 2:30 p.m.
Oasis 4 – 3:15 p.m.

You can park at the Essex Ferry parking area and take a shuttle to Westport or park in Westport and take a shuttle back to your car from the Essex Inn. If you plan to hike part of the Grand Hike or are bringing a dog, please make your own transportation arrangements.

Shuttle times are:

Essex Ferry parking area to Westport – 9:30, 10:00, 10:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Essex Inn to Westport – 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you on May 9!

Chris Maron
CATS Executive Director

CATS Spring Events (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
CATS Announces Second Annual Grand Hike May 9th (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
CATS Welcomes Spring (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
CATS Grand Hike Promotes Region (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
CATS’ Grand Hike A Great Success (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

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.