The Peru Gazette

On May 11, 2024, Champlain Area Trails (CATS) will host its signature annual Grand Hike, a 14-mile walk from Essex to Westport along scenic trails and back roads in New York’s Champlain Valley. The Grand Hike promotes healthy communities and well-being by bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and community members to experience the nearly 100 miles of trails CATS has created and maintains.

Founded in 2009, CATS is an accredited land trust that protects land, builds and maintains trails, connects people with nature, and promotes economic vitality in the Champlain Valley. To date, CATS has created and maintained 98+ miles of trails, protected 983 acres of land, and hosted hundreds of hikes, outdoor education outings, and volunteer events, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

The Grand Hike of 2024 is a 14-mile trek that takes hikers from Essex to Westport. This exciting event brings together outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and community members to showcase CATS’s nearly 100 miles of trails in the Champlain Valley area. The Grand Hike is anticipated to draw over 400 hikers and walkers from New York, Vermont, and Montreal, as well as participants from the Capital District, Hudson Valley, and New York City.

The Grand Hike starts at the Essex Gateway Trailhead in Essex, NY, and finishes in Westport, NY. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains while walking through forests and meadows, crossing streams and wetlands, and experiencing the Champlain Valley area’s scenic beauty and ecological diversity.

After the hike, hikers and walkers can join the “après hike party”, a post-hike celebration featuring live music by the Headwall Band, drinks, and food available for purchase.

“The Grand Hike promotes economic vitality and brings our communities together to experience the recreational and natural wonders of the Champlain Valley,” said Chris Maron, Executive Director of CATS. “This event inspires people to get outside, connect with nature, and support the important work of protecting our local landscapes so these trails and natural areas will be here for generations to come.”

Registration for the Grand Hike 2024 is now open. The $30 registration fee includes amenities on the route, such as water, snacks, a shuttle service, and porta-potties. All proceeds support CATS’ ongoing trail building, land conservation, and outdoor education efforts.

 For more information and to register, visit www.champlainareatrails.com.