Burton lsland State Park has to be the ultimate in the camping experience !…read more I have frequented many parks over my lifetime, and Burton Island is among the happiest in my camping experiences . There is not one draw-back that l can think of here. It has epic beauty. The trees and forests with lake views are magnificent. Everything is sanitary. Vermont people are exceedingly clean and conscientious about their surroundings. Camp sites are pristine. Restrooms are equipped and clean and accessible. If you are counting on an amazing camping trip, look forward to visiting Burton lsland !

As we are driving home to Boston we are feeling incredibly thankful to have visited Burton Island…read moreState Park. By far our favorite campground we've been to. Park at Kill Kare State Park and take the Island Runner to Burton Island, about a 10 minute ride. The ferry crew help to load your items onto the boat and you can pay $10 to have it delivered to your site.  Upon boarding the ferry, crew member Morgan welcomed us and gave us an overview of the Island and how everything worked. She recommended alternative swimming areas and prime sunset viewing spots. Morgan remembered us on our way back a few days later. She really made our visit that much more memorable, and the rest of the staff were super friendly as well. The island is equipped with showers & bathrooms (don't forget quarters!), trash & recycling recepticals, water spickets, kayak & canoe rentals, and weekly nature/survival lessons for kids. There are a few hiking trails and even some secret spots where you can post up and hang on the water for the day.   They offer traditional tent sites and lean-tos - some of which are right on the water. We plan to book one of these next time. Wood is available for purchase but be sure to ask for dry wood depending on recent weather conditions. The best spot about BI is the store, which is stocked with pretty much everything camping-related: beer & wine, drinks, snacks, ice, souveniers, etc. The store has a small kitchen with a grill and they make sandwiches and sides cooked to order. All of it is reasonably priced, and they accept credit/debit cards. Overall this experience was a very unique one but extremely rewarding. I highly recommend visiting Burton Island!!!

This lovely park is located just north of Plattsburgh along the shores of Lake Champlain. I was…read morehere to try to see the lighthouse, but it is not accessible during the greener months. It is on private property and could normally only be seen through the trees when they're bare. Not today in mid-July. So now that I'm enjoying the park, let's check out this. A very pretty sandy beach that has floats out to mark off the swimming area from boaters. Picnic tables and barbecue grills. Volleyball, softball and the like. And it's all free. [Review 1610 of 2024 - 523 in New York - 22633 overall]

My go too spot in Plattsburgh. A quiet walk. Wonderful adventure every time. Low key hike…read more Beautiful point / view of lake Champlain. And the pup loves it.

Nobody said getting back in shape was easy--but if you're going to suffer, you might as well do it…read moresomewhere beautiful. I picked a hiking trail in Vermont after getting lured in by some stunning photos online. Inspired (and slightly delusional), I stopped and picked up a pair of Oboz hiking shoes and some solid hiking socks--thankfully, one of my better decisions. Let me be clear: this trail was no joke. It twisted, turned, and climbed in ways that made my heart rate spike enough to question my life choices. At one point, I genuinely thought I heard Bigfoot breathing down my neck--turns out it was just me gasping for air. Here are the stats: 4,083 ft summit 7.4 miles round trip 2,645 ft vertical rise 6 hours of hiking The mountain is known as Tawabodi-e-wadso, which means "The Saddle Mountain" in the Waubawakee Native American language. Yes, I did my research--mainly because I felt like I needed to know the name of the place that almost killed me. (Kidding... kind of.) But here's the real truth: it was absolutely worth it. The trail winds through beautiful groves of maple and oak, with peaceful river streams breaking up the climb. It was majestic, serene, and a perfect reminder of why nature is one of the best places to push your limits. And yes, the shoes held up like champs. Bottom line: A tough but rewarding hike--equal parts humbling and awe-inspiring. If you're looking to reconnect with nature and your cardiovascular system, this one's for you.

We started the hike via the Huntington parking lot and hikes the Burrow trail…read more Do not underestimate this hike. It is all incline up and lots of rock scrambling. We are not experienced hikes and took us 5 hrs to finish. It is true that it is shaded the whole time, but no one mentioned about the amount of bugs on the whole trail. After asking a local, we find out that they are called "black flies". They are small and annoying little bugs that cling on to your skin and bite you. We put bugs spray but did not keep them away from us. Apparently they come in season that received alot of rain. (first week of June) And it just happens to hatch new eggs as the weather gets hot and wet. So if you plan to hike this with there is alot of rain, I suggest wearing a netted hat. Because these flies are soon annoying and just takes out the fun of the hike. Although it was not an easy hike with annoying bugs biting our skin, the summit was one of 360 view of the landscape. It is beautiful and view are breathtaking!!!!

On a beautiful south facing point, surrounded by Lake Champlain on three sides. Ample open grassed…read morespace for picnics, a healthy frisbee toss and chase, and/or catch some warm sunshine or shade to reflect. Facilities are very, very clean and even boast old time changing stalls! Absolutely no reason not to change and take a dip OR take a dip and Then change. Kayak & SUP rentals are available. On the day of our afternoon visit the lake winds had stiffened up and we chose not to launch our on craft. Whether you rent for carry-in your own, please practice good judgment and stay safe on the water. Entrance fees apply, not bad, and the dollars go to up keep and a few summer hires looking for help with tuition.

Have been here twice and it's a great find if you're in the islands. Spacious and not too crowded…read more Picnic and beach area. Kayak and paddle board rentals. Hiking path and wild black raspberries! Bathrooms are clean and ample parking. $4 for adults/$2 for kids. Beach is a bit rocky but shallow and calm. My BIL caught a huge bass from the shore. Peaceful and scenic!

Rarely have I gone on a hike in the mountains, but Mount Mansfield was a great experience. We drove…read morefirst to Lot A via the Toll Road, which is pretty pricey to pay... but it's not realistic to climb to the top from the parking lot at bottom of the road... at least for a day trip. The weather was good, although you could feel autumn approaching. Keep in mind - The only "facilities" are Porta Potties by the entrance by the Visitor Center parking, and there are no spots (even in any woods) until you are back! We were lucky to get a spot in Lot A, because the lower Lot B adds to your hike. We explored the initial part of the Long Trail, luciously green, covered my trees and full of moss, flowers, and mushrooms. Then, we returned to the Visitor Center to begin our walk along the ridge trail from the "nose" towards the "chin." I made it about half way, using a useful pair of hiking poles - something I'd recommend. Good outdoor shoes with appropriate treads also made navigating the rocky terrain easier. Both views - on one side the Adirondack mountains across Lake Champlain and the opposite side over to New Hampshire - were spectacular. If you're looking for an active outdoor jaunt for the day, recommend exploring Mount Mansfield. Nevertheless, you may want to check out in advance the Toll Road fees so you won't be shocked once you arrive.

This is a great hike - well marked, and with great views at the top. My only small complaint is…read morethat I wish the highest peak marker was larger. It looks like there may have been something more there in the past, but now it is just a small circle on the ground marking the spot. Overall, it really feels like a great accomplishment to reach the top. There are multiple trails to the peak and a good bit of rock scrambling to keep things interesting, but nothing too difficult. Definitely a rewarding hike. PS - there is off-season parking, you just will add an extra mile or so getting onto the trail, but it's never closed.

I went here "off season" when it was free. There's some beautiful views of the lake and plenty of…read moregrass and trees to hang a hammock on. There were also a lot of grills. Might be a nice place for a BBQ in the summer. I didn't give it five stars because it seems silly that they charge a fee during any time of the year, and there were no nice and easily accessible restrooms-only a porta-john.

So we stopped by here to watch the sunset after first stopping by at St Albans bay State Park down…read morethe road a bit. This is an incredible place to watch the sunset over the mountain range and Champlain lake. There are benches, open field area and a descent amount of parking- not a ton though. I wouldn't necessarily recommend stopping by here just to visit the park, but if you're looking for a beautiful spot to watch a really special sunset, this is your place!

Charlotte Beach is a playground and beach in Charlotte. It has bathrooms, pickleball and tennis, a…read morecovered bridge, a swim dock, easy parking, and swings. There are no dogs allowed, there are lots of gnats in spring, and you have to pay. It is only open in a little bit in spring and all of summer. I would recommend sunscreen, bug spray, and extra layers. I felt excited there,I give it . -Ayla Grade 3

This place is pure natural gorgeousness. I mean wow. Lovely beach area (no sand, rocks) on Lake…read moreChamplain. There are several floating docks in the water that you can swim out to to lay out or relax. Views for days..... stunning . There's a few picnic tables and benches around the area. Right down the road is a beautiful old covered bridge. If you're in Charlotte, check it out!

Plattsburgh City Beach on Cumberland Bay gives you a great view of the entire bay; Grand Island and…read morethe Vermont shore. There's over one mile of sandy beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, toilette facilities, kayak rentals and a snack concession. Of special note is the park is dog friendly too. Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area.

Hey, it's a long way to the ocean…read more I really enjoy Plattsburgh beach whenever we go. the waters are calm, the vibe is chill, and the park is well maintained.