
Colchester Causeway
A stunning land bridge extending into Lake Champlain, perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying breathtaking water views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Colchester Causeway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning land bridge extending into Lake Champlain, perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying breathtaking water views.
"Absolutely gorgeous—perfect for biking, walking or running. You could spend an hour or several hours here!"

Check Ferry Schedule ⛴️
The bike ferry is essential for the full trail. Confirm its operating dates and times before your visit .
Arrive Early for Parking 🅿️
Parking lots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Consider Airport Park as an alternative starting point .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Causeway Trail
Lake Champlain
A breathtaking land bridge offering panoramic lake views, perfect for biking, walking, or running.

Bike Ferry Adventure
Connecting South Hero Island
A unique way to traverse Lake Champlain and complete the full causeway experience.

Lake Champlain Vistas
Along the entire causeway
Stunning, unobstructed views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding islands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Access is Key
Parking and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Just moved to Colchester from clear across the country! Tell me everything I should know and everything I should explore!
Check Ferry Schedule ⛴️
The bike ferry is essential for the full trail. Confirm its operating dates and times before your visit.
Arrive Early for Parking 🅿️
Parking lots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Consider Airport Park as an alternative starting point.
Beautiful Morning on the South Hero Causeway ☀️
Shore fishing
Rent Bikes in Burlington 🚲
Many visitors rent bikes in Burlington for a convenient way to access and enjoy the causeway trail.
Pack for the Elements ☀️
Be prepared for sun and wind on the exposed causeway. Sunscreen and water are a must.
Fishing in/near Burlington
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ferry Schedule ⛴️
The bike ferry is essential for the full trail. Confirm its operating dates and times before your visit.
Arrive Early for Parking 🅿️
Parking lots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Consider Airport Park as an alternative starting point.
Rent Bikes in Burlington 🚲
Many visitors rent bikes in Burlington for a convenient way to access and enjoy the causeway trail.
Pack for the Elements ☀️
Be prepared for sun and wind on the exposed causeway. Sunscreen and water are a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Colchester Causeway for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities, particularly for biking and walking. The panoramic views of Lake Champlain are a major highlight. However, the reliance on the seasonal bike ferry for the full experience and potential parking challenges are noted drawbacks.
"Great family activity on a summer day. Good for riding bikes or walking. The ferry is also great to get to the other end of the island"
Madisyn Wakefield
"Beautiful land bridge / park. We visited on a Saturday in the mid-spring and there wasn’t much parking at the lot closest to the water, but we found a spot. Short walk through the woods up to the land bridge over Lake Champlain. It was absolutely gorgeous—perfect for biking, walking or running. You could spend an hour or several hours here! Highly recommend stopping by!"
Cait
"I knew ahead of time how awesome it is…and it IS! The ferry was closed-late season, mid-week."
Scott Harlow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Colchester Causeway is accessible by car, with parking available at lots near the water. Many visitors also rent bikes in Burlington and cycle to the causeway. For the full experience, you'll likely need to utilize the bike ferry.
Yes, there are parking lots available, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Consider starting at Airport Park if the main lots are full.
You can bike a significant portion, but the causeway is not fully connected. The bike ferry is necessary to complete the entire trail and reach South Hero Island.
Many people rent bikes in Burlington and ride to the causeway. Alternatively, you can drive and park, then begin your biking adventure from there.
Public transport options directly to the causeway are limited. Driving or cycling from Burlington are the most common and recommended methods of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the causeway trail itself is generally free. However, there is a fee for the bike ferry service, which is essential for completing the full route.
The causeway trail is typically open from dawn to dusk. The bike ferry, however, operates on a seasonal schedule, so it's crucial to check their specific hours.
Ferry prices can vary. It's best to check the official ferry operator's website for the most up-to-date pricing information for the Colchester Causeway bike ferry.
The bike ferry usually operates during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Always confirm the exact dates as they can change annually.
While the causeway trail is free, some adjacent park areas might have nominal parking fees or day-use charges, though this is not common for the causeway itself.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The causeway is ideal for biking, walking, running, and enjoying the scenic views of Lake Champlain. It's a great spot for a leisurely outdoor activity.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic family-friendly destination, perfect for a bike ride or a stroll with kids. The flat terrain makes it easy for all ages.
Expect stunning, unobstructed panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the surrounding islands, and the Adirondack Mountains in the distance. It's a truly beautiful landscape.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to several hours, depending on your pace and whether you utilize the bike ferry to explore further. It's a flexible experience.
Restroom facilities are generally available at the main parking areas and trailheads. It's advisable to use them before venturing too far out.
🎫 🎣 Fishing
Yes, shore fishing is possible along parts of the Colchester Causeway. It's a popular spot for anglers looking to cast a line into Lake Champlain.
Lake Champlain offers a variety of fish, including bass, perch, and pike. Success can depend on the season and specific location along the causeway.
While there isn't a dedicated large fishing pier directly on the causeway itself, there are accessible shorelines suitable for fishing. Burlington's fishing pier is nearby.
Yes, a valid Vermont fishing license is required to fish in Lake Champlain. Ensure you have the appropriate license before you start fishing.
Consider downsizing your tackle and using bait that mimics local forage. Early mornings and late evenings can also be productive times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚲 Active Cyclists & Runners
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Causeway: Ferry & Trail Logistics
For those planning to bike the entire route, renting bikes in Burlington is a popular option. The ride from Burlington to the causeway is scenic and sets the stage for the main attraction. Parking at the causeway itself can be limited, especially during peak times, so arriving early or considering the parking at Airport Park is a wise strategy. The trail surface is generally well-maintained, making it suitable for various types of bikes and for walking or running enthusiasts.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at Colchester Causeway
When visiting, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape. For more intimate shots, telephoto lenses can be used to isolate details of the islands or the distant mountains. The causeway is also a fantastic location for drone photography, offering unparalleled aerial perspectives of the land bridge stretching across the water. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and any local regulations regarding drone usage. The changing seasons also offer unique photographic opportunities, from the vibrant greens of summer to the muted tones of fall.
Fishing the Lake Champlain Waters
Local advice suggests that downsizing tackle and using bait that mimics the natural forage of the lake can increase success rates. Early mornings and late evenings are often cited as the most productive times for fishing. While there isn't a large, dedicated fishing pier directly on the causeway, the shoreline offers numerous spots to cast a line. For those seeking a more structured fishing experience, the nearby fishing pier in Burlington is also a popular option.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit