The Lake Champlain Islands are a chain of four main islands — North Hero, South Hero, Grand Isle, and Isle La Motte — connected by causeways and bridges and forming Grand Isle County, Vermont's smallest county by population. The islands stretch roughly 30 miles along the western edge of Lake Champlain, separated from the New York Adirondacks by only a few miles of open water and offering views of both the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west. The island landscape is a pastoral mix of working farms, orchards, vineyards, and open meadows punctuated by small lakeside communities and public beaches. Isle La Motte is home to Chazy Reef, the world's oldest known fossil reef at approximately 480 million years old, accessible at a small preserve on the island's western shore. North Hero State Park on the eponymous island offers camping, swimming, and boat launches in a quiet lakeside setting. Hyde Log Cabin on Grand Isle is claimed to be the oldest surviving log cabin in the United States, dating to around 1783. Several Vermont wineries and orchards on the islands are open for tasting and farm stands in summer and early fall. The Island Line Trail, accessible from Burlington, crosses Lake Champlain via a causeway and a seasonal ferry connection to the islands, making the chain accessible by bicycle from Burlington. The islands' quiet roads, minimal traffic, and flat terrain make them a favorite destination for recreational cycling. A scenic drive on US-2 from the Grand Isle landing to the Alburgh causeway covers approximately 30 miles and passes all major points of interest across all four islands.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open year-round; state parks May–October
- Best time
- June–September for swimming and boating; October for foliage over the lake
Location
Grand Isle, VT 05458
44.7114, -73.3007 View on map
Highlights
- Chazy Reef on Isle La Motte — the world's oldest known fossil reef at approximately 480 million years old, viewable at a roadside preserve
- Panoramic Lake Champlain views with the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains of Vermont to the east
- Hyde Log Cabin on Grand Isle — a circa-1783 structure claimed as the oldest surviving log cabin in the United States
- North Hero State Park with a swimming beach, camping, and kayak launch on the open lake
- Island Line Trail bicycle route connecting Burlington to the islands via a lake causeway and a seasonal ferry crossing
Tips for visiting
- Drive the full US-2 corridor across all four islands from Grand Isle to Alburgh for the most complete island experience
- The Island Line Trail bicycle route from Burlington to the islands (with ferry connection) is one of Vermont's most distinctive cycling experiences — bikes can be rented in Burlington
- Apple orchards and farm stands open from late August through October — the islands produce some of Vermont's finest fall apples
- Sand Bar State Park on the mainland just before the causeway has excellent shallow-water beach swimming suitable for families
- Carry a picnic — dining options on the islands are limited outside North Hero village and fill quickly on summer weekends
When to visit
June through September for swimming, farm stands, and kayaking. Late August through October for apple orchards and ideal cycling weather. October provides outstanding foliage with Adirondack and Green Mountain views from the open causeways.
Accessibility
The US-2 corridor across the islands is fully accessible by car. State park beaches have accessible parking. The Island Line Trail is paved and accessible for cyclists with adaptive bikes. Some farm stands and winery tasting rooms are on level ground.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a day trip to the Lake Champlain Islands take?
A scenic drive covering all four islands takes 3–4 hours with stops. A full day with swimming, winery visits, and a kayak trip easily fills 6–8 hours.
Can the islands be reached without a car?
Yes — the Island Line Trail connects Burlington to the islands via a rail-trail and a seasonal ferry crossing over Lake Champlain. Cyclists and walkers can access the islands without a vehicle.
Is there good swimming on the Lake Champlain Islands?
Yes — North Hero State Park has a designated swimming beach on the open lake. Sand Bar State Park at the causeway entrance also has an excellent shallow-water beach suitable for families with young children.