I just did most of the trail today. It's a nice ride, although the condition of the trail is wanting as you leave the Burlington waterfront area heading north. Lots of holes, lots of puddles (it rained). The signage sort of disappears once the trail drops you across the street from Colchester's Airport Park. (This is a beautiful park, with a snack stand!) Take a left at the stop sign and you will head through a residential area in order to continue toward the causeway. WARNING: You may not want to bring your roadie to the causeway. I was very much looking forward to this along-the-lake part of the path, but was disheartened when seeing it. I know the description says it's crushed gravel, however it's not a hard-packed gravel, and the locals I spoke with told me there have been many a flat tire when riders bring their road bikes down the causeway. I was also told that the gravel gets looser after a mile or so. I decided not to risk it, and was very disappointed. You won't have a problem with a hybrid or mountain bike.

We rode the trail on a beautiful sunny day in late August -- unfortunately, it was a weekday so no ferry service available, but even without the crossing and the last bit of the trail, it was a totally worthwhile 24 mile ride (both ways). Even on a Wednesday, the trail was very busy. Started in Oakledge Park in South Burlington. Convenient parking and access to trailhead. Incredible views along the waterfront, and even more incredible lake views once out on the causeway. Trails is paved and very easy riding. Definitely one of the top ten best of all New England. Highly recommended!!!

"Tuesday, September 12, 2006:
We live in Connecticut but have ridden many rail-trails and bike paths in New England over the past four years. This one takes the cake - our new favorite. Started at Oakledge Park (south end) and rode the 12.5 miles to the end of Champlain Causeway round trip in 3 hrs. 20min, including one hour of stops to photograph and take in the breathtaking scenery (will post photos later). An awesome ride on a 67 degree sunny day. Thanks, Vermonters and Burlingtonites for making this ride possible. We'll be back. "

It is no longer necessary to cross the Winooski River by ferry. A bridge now connects the Burlington side of the Burlington Bike Trail to the Colchester side across the Winooski River.

We rode the trail on a beautiful summer evening. Excellent views of lake and the quality of the trail is fabulous (tar surface most of way). Traffic is a little congested on trail around Burlingon proper. Make sure you go two miles south on trail if you are starting from the downtown. While it passes through a bit of heavy industrial area you end up passing through several parks that offer outstanding views of Lake Champlain and mountains of New York. Going north make sure you save time to travel out the causeway at the end of the trail. This is dirt portion so best to have mountain bike or hybrid bike. The causeway extends about 2 miles into the lake offering excellent lake and mountain views. Great little ride.

"In mid-September, we walked part of the trail from Colchester toward Burlington and rode from the new bridge to the end of the causeway. It was windy when we rode but it was a beautiful walk and ride."

"Twice I have walked the gorgeous section of this trail that goes out into Lake Champlain. I went up to Burlington alone the first time and enjoyed it so much that the following year I took my friend. On Saturday, we rented bikes and rode the major portion of the trail, up to the bike ferry. The next day we walked the magical section out along the causeway, taking pictures by the dozens.

From the chunks of marble that make up the causeway, to the lake itself, to the mountains both in Vermont and New York, this three mile section is absolutely unbelievable! What a way to spend half a day!

At the end of the day, the city of Burlington is a fun place to be. Lots of good restaurants and good places to walk. If it is summer, go down to the waterfront, spend time relaxing on the gliders and watch the sunset."

"This is one rail-trail I will never forget! I rode from the Burlington Waterfront Bikeway all the way up the Island Line Rail Trail, across Lake Champlain, to what's called ""the cut."" The bike ferry will start taking people across in August.

You can see the ""break"" where the trail continues to South Hero Island just a few yards away. It was an incredible experience due to the uniqueness of the trail, riding three miles out on Lake Champlain, on a man made causeway with plants and trees growing on it. The causeway was built in the early 1900's to transport people by train between New York and Vermont.

The views on either side are beautiful, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop, making the ride a once in-a-lifetime experience! Returning, I faced winds, which made riding a challenge, but it all just added to the unique experience!

It was not at all crowded. I had plenty of room to ride, breathe in fresh lake air, and enjoy the quiet or the water lapping up against the rocks. There are plenty of huge marble rocks and boulders to sit on and take a break. If you like photography, there were plenty interesting shots with the foliage and trees, with the lake and curve of the trail in the background.

This is one trail you must experience to appreciate! I highly recommend it, as well as a visit to the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont! There are wonderful vistas and wonderful people all around!"

"I can't wait to return from New Jersey this summer to ride this trail again after first doing it two years ago. A newly built bridge over the Winooski River will now replace the bike ferry starting June 2004, although the ferry ride was neat. The three mile causeway section at the northern end (making a continuous 13 mile trail) must be the bicycle trail equivalent of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. There are beautiful vews across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks. This is one of the truly great rail-trails of America."

We did this trail with our girls ages 5 & 9 and it was beautiful! The views of Lake Champlain were spectacular! The ferry boat ride (about 7 miles into the trail) takes you across a stretch of water only 50 yards wide but it made the trip more interesting for the kids.

The last 3 miles is a causeway (an old railroad bed) that was built out into Lake Champlain. The lake was filled with sailboats. It's definitely a trip we would do again! About 26 miles round trip. If you go don't miss the red boathouse near the ferry for snacks. It is truly one of a kind!

"We spent 2+ great years in Vermont and one of our biggest pleasures was riding the Burlington Bike Path. I remember thinking dozens of times ""this is the kind of thing that makes a city LIVEABLE.""

The views are stunning. We used to ride from Oak Ledge up to the north beach, then swim, then ride back. I can't recommend this bike path enough."

"This truly is the ""holy grail"" of rails-to-trails. I'm originally from VT, but now live in Florida, where there are many rails-to-trails projects. None of them hold a candle to this ride. It is a ride, and an experience that you find yourself saying or thinking, ""I don't want this to end"". It is that beautiful.

If you're in the area, do yourself a big favor and ride this trail. It is ""very"" unique. Oh yeah, bring your camera! JB"