Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh).
A prominent link in the Empire State Trail system, this nearly twenty-seven-and-a-half-kilometer section traces State Route 9 through the Champlain Valley between Keeseville and Plattsburgh.
- Full-day hikePlan on a full day out
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~509 ft · live closures appear above
- Empire Styate TrailsOperator
- LocalNetwork
Read the line before you walk it.
The trail in 4 sections.
At 14.1 miles, few hike it in a single push. It breaks into 4 trailhead-to-trailhead sections — tap Favorite to save a stretch, then hike it in the app instead of the whole line.
Sections auto-derived from trailhead & parking access · refined by editors
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Keene.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
Read the Region→
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- Turtle Island Cafe10.8 mi
Turtle Island Cafe is a full-service restaurant in Willsboro, NY, offering bistro-style food, wine, beer, and cocktails in a casual and friendly environment. It has been named Best Burger in the Adirondacks by Adirondack Life Magazine for…
- Monday Tuesday Grill20.4 mi
Monday Tuesday Grill in Upper Jay offers fresh, friendly, and affordable comfort meals for indoor, outdoor, and takeout dining, including grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, and Swedish meatballs.
- The Hungry Trout20.5 mi
Situated on the West Branch of the Ausable River, the Hungry Trout offers two distinct dining experiences, from an upscale restaurant to a lively tavern.
- F.I.G's Riverside Pizza Cafe20.8 mi
A casual pizza cafe on the Boquet River in Elizabethtown serving pies, sandwiches, and cafe fare.
Sip.
4- Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe18.7 mi
Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe is a coffee shop in Upper Jay, NY, serving fresh, slow-roasted coffee, breakfast, and lunch daily. Located near Whiteface Mountain and the Adirondack State Park, it also offers local beer and cocktails, with…
- Life Church Cafe20.8 mi
Life Church Elizabethtown is a local church dedicated to connecting lives and building community.
- Pleasant Valley Cafe20.9 mi
A local cafe in Elizabethtown serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and comfort food in the heart of the Boquet Valley.
- Counter Space20.9 mi
A casual cafe in Elizabethtown serving coffee, espresso, and light bites — a local gathering spot in the Essex County seat.
— 18.7 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
4- Sugar House Creamery18.6 mi
Sugar House Creamery is a farmstead creamery located in the Adirondacks, producing artisanal cheeses from the milk of their own cows. They offer a variety of cheeses, showcasing the quality of their local dairy.
- Whitebrook Dairy Bar18.9 mi
A classic roadside drive-in on Route 86 in Wilmington, five minutes from Whiteface — creamy soft serve (try the peanut-butter dip) plus footlongs and the Wilmington burger. Opening day is a local rite of spring.
- Black Rooster Maple23.2 mi
Pure Adirondack Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup
- Cedar Run Bakery & Market23.2 mi
Cedar Run Bakery & Market offers scratch-made baked goods, deli items, fresh menu options, and take & bake meals, alongside a selection of wine and spirits. They are open Friday through Monday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
— 18.6 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
2- R.F. McDougall's Pub20.5 mi
The casual sibling of the Hungry Trout Restaurant, sharing the same Adirondack riverside property next to Whiteface. Pub food, regional beers, and the same view of the West Branch Ausable at a more relaxed price point.
- The Knock ADK22.2 mi
The Knock ADK is a restaurant and bar in Westport, NY, offering a plant-based dinner menu alongside classic and craft cocktails. They provide dinner reservations on non-show nights and welcome walk-ins on show nights.
— 20.5 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- Mountain Brook Lodge18.7 mi
Welcome to your home away from home! Mountain Brook Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring your stay is memorable. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as…
- Cadence Lodge at Whiteface18.7 mi
Cadence Lodge in Wilmington, NY, offers an ideal base camp for outdoor adventurers. The property features recently updated guest rooms with amenities to enhance your stay, including a restaurant onsite, weekend breakfast options, and…
- Adirondack Spruce Lodge18.8 mi
Twenty-seven-room independent lodge in Wilmington village, minutes from Whiteface Mountain and walking distance from the Ausable River. Complimentary breakfast, fire pit, and Adirondack-character rooms.
- Ice Jam Inn & Restaurant18.9 mi
Ice Jam Inn & Restaurant is a welcoming Adirondack inn and restaurant located minutes from Whiteface Mountain, offering ski-friendly lodging and après-ski dining.
— 18.7 mi to the nearest bed on the register; book before you go.
See.
4- Ausable Chasm1.5 mi
A sandstone gorge attraction on US 9 in Ausable Chasm, with rim trails, walkways through the gorge floor, and add-on tubing and rafting on the Ausable River. Open seasonally, roughly mid-May through Columbus Day.
- Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge18.8 mi
The Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge is a vibrant venue dedicated to presenting music, theater, and visual arts in Upper Jay, NY. It serves as a community hub for various cultural events.
- Adirondack History Museum20.9 mi
The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown tells the story of Essex County and the Adirondacks — pioneer life, mining, tourism, and mountain heritage.
- Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower21.9 mi
Perched atop Hurricane Mountain, this historic fire tower provides hikers with unparalleled 360-degree views of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and Vermont's Green Mountains.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh)?The Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh) is approximately 14.1 miles (22.7 kilometers) — a long day-hike.
- How long does it take to hike the Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh)?Most hikers complete the Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh) in about 7 hours 15 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 626 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh)?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh) is a demanding hike (626 ft of climbing over the route) — sustained climbing best suited to fit, experienced hikers. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.
- Who maintains the Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh)?The Champlain Valley Trail (Keeseville to Plattsburgh) is operated or maintained by Empire Styate Trails (part of the Local network).