On May 9th, more than 400 hikers joined us from across the North Country, Albany, Montreal, Vermont, Florida, and beyond. Thank you for joining us!

Whether you hiked a short route with family and friends or took on the full 16 miles, you were part of something bigger than a hike.

This year’s Grand Hike also marked a major milestone for the future of this work.

The hike finished at Twin Valleys, now permanently protected as a 662-acre nature preserve.

Because of this, more than 8 miles of trails, forests, streams, and outdoor spaces will remain open to the public for generations to come.

When hikers arrived, they were not just crossing a finish line. They were stepping into the future of conservation, recreation, and education in this region.

This impact was made possible by landowners, volunteers, partners, sponsors, funders, and supporters like you who continue to prove these places matter.

Since 2009, Champlain Area Trails has worked with communities to build and care for trails that connect people to this landscape.

Together, we have created more than 100 miles of trails and helped conserve nearly 2,000 acres of land.

But the impact is best understood in experiences:

A child discovering the woods for the first time.

A family hiking together.

Friends reconnecting on the trail.

Someone finding peace outdoors after a difficult week.

That is what our work is about, connection to nature and to one another across New York's Champlain Valley.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, partners, and landowners who made the day possible. Together, you helped raise over $30,000 in support of Champlain Area Trails’ mission to build trails, conserve land, and connect people to nature.

You can relive the day through photos and video captured by photographer Katie Kearney here:

Click to view the Grand Hike Photo Gallery- photos available for free download!

Click to view our new Grand Hike Video

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!

All event proceeds support Champlain Area Trails' mission to save land, create and maintain trails that connect people to nature, and promote economic vitality in the Champlain Valley.

Interested in sponsoring? Click here for levels and information. 

SUMMIT SPONSOR

TRAIL SPONSOR

     

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COMMUNITY  SPONSOR

MEDIA  SPONSOR

IN-KIND SPONSOR