Route description
The actual starting point of the Island Line Trail is situated in Oakledge Park in south Burlington. You start your tour passing the park's tennis courts and heading north alongside the water. After approximately 4km/2,5mi you will reach the trailhead at Union Station, which is located on King Street. Now follow College Street and drive through the beautiful Waterfront Park. Passed a small sailing club continue further alongside the train tracks, while biking by Urban Reserve and Lakeview Cemetry.
When you reach North Beach Park you should definitely take a break and enjoy the incredible view across the lake. Continue your tour through Leddy Park in north Burlington, which is also the largest park in Burlington. Leddy Park therefore offers much space to barbecue, picnic and relax, so why not take a break here aswell.
Soon you will reach Winooski River Bridge, which leads across the former Burlington Bikeway and leads to Colchester Causeway trail. This trail was only completed in 2004. The real Causeway however is located way farther north on your tour. The damm is about 4km/2,5mi long, was built in 1900 and offers a great view across lake Champlain. After enjoying the view in it's fullest take a ferry back to South Hero, which is the final destination of your tour.
Where to eat
Since the trail mostly leads alongside the lake you will have various choices of cafes and restaurants to stop at.
Interesting facts
- With an overall length of 20 km the bike trail is among the 3 longest bike Trails in the USA available on TouriSpo.
- Don’t hesitate to take your kids along on this easy bike Trails. What’s even better: You can also bring the family’s best friend on this dog friendly bike trail.
- There are places to buy beverages and food along the track. However it’s always recommended to bring enough water and food along with you.
Highlights of the tour
Special about the tour is definitely the location next to lake Champlain. Most of the time you will be able to enjoy the incredible view across the water. Either biking or while having a coffee at one of many cafes located around the lake.
Another highlight is the damm at the end of the tour, which makes you experience the energy of running water from close up.
Getting here
By car:
The bike tour itself starts at Oakledge Park in Burlington next to lake Champlain's shore. From south Burlington take route 7 south (Shelburne Road). Reaching Flynn Avenue turn right and follow the street until you reach Oakledge Park. From downtown Burlington take Main Street heading west and drive towards the port. After you pass Battery street keep right and at the next junction turn left onto College street. Parking is available on the right side of the street.
You can also bike the trail in the opposite direction, which means you would start in South Hero. To get there from Colchester first take route 127 north then turn left onto Porter's Road. Afterwards turn left again onto Colchester Point Road, where parking is available on airport park. Coming from South Hero take route 2 north and drive to South Hero Village, then turn left onto South Street and keep on it for about 4km/2,5mi. Subsequently you turn right onto Martin Road, where the biking trail starts on the left. Parking is available alongside the street.
