Champlain Valley Trail (Fort Edward to Fort Ann)

The Champlain Valley Trail from Fort Edward to Fort Ann is an easy, low-elevation hike of about 12 miles that links two small towns in New York's Champlain Valley. The route starts in Fort Edward, about half a mile from town, and ends at Fort Ann, with a total climb of just 12 feet. It is a point-to-point trail, and the elevation change is so slight that it works well for a day on foot or on a bike. Bikes are allowed, so the trail suits both hikers and riders. The route is mostly flat, with the steepest stretch coming around the 9-mile mark, where the grade reaches about 3 percent. The start and end points sit at roughly 140 feet, with the high point at about 160 feet. For comfortable weather, late spring through early fall is the best window. Typical averages from the nearby Glens Falls airport weather station show June highs around 77°F and September highs around 72°F, with July the warmest month at about 82°F. Several other outings lie within a short drive. The Hudson River is about 4 miles away for paddlers, and the Warren County Bikeway is about 5 miles off. The Champlain Canal Water Trail and Halfway Brook are both within about 7 miles.