One of the most spectacular natural areas in the State of Vermont lies within walking distance of downtown Burlington. Conserved in 2019 by the Lake Champlain Land Trust thanks to the landowner, the Episcopal Church in Vermont, and our members and Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition partners, Burlington’s Rock Point Natural Area is a one-of-a-kind treasure. We hope you enjoy exploring Rock Point’s recently-restored trail system, which was made possible by the conservation partners and generous community support.
Visiting Rock Point | Know Before You Go
The Rock Point land is owned by the Episcopal Church in Vermont. The Lake Champlain Land Trust holds a conservation easement on the Rock Point Peninsula and helps steward the land and trails. The Episcopal Church graciously allows the public to access the property’s trails, provided that visitors follow certain rules and obtain a free trail pass. To view the rules and obtain a trail pass (via a quick one-minute online form), please visit the Rock Point Visitor Guidelines webpage.
Important Notes:
1) Parking on the Rock Point property is extremely limited. We do not recommend trying to park at 5 Rock Point Road, as this lot is often full. See Directions section below for close off-site parking locations.
2) Some trails and trail sections may be closed on occasion, including the seasonal closure of the Holy Trinity Trail (usually during mid-summer). Please respect all trail closures. Thank you.
Download a PDF copy of this map here.
Directions
To reach the trails, take the Burlington Bike Path to the main trailhead, which is just north of North Beach and just south of Leddy Park. If driving, park at Leddy Park (driving directions) and walk south a short distance along the Bike Path. Just after passing the wooden fencing lining the path, on your right you will see the Rock Point Trails entrance, which includes bike racks, stone steps, and a kiosk. You may also access the trail system from the City of Burlington’s North Beach.
(Before you visit, be sure to sign up for our Lake Champlain Land Trust E-newsletter!)
Conservation Project History
In December 2019, the Lake Champlain Land Trust officially signed the Conservation Easement permanently protecting the natural, scenic, and recreational resources of the 94-acre Rock Point Peninsula. We would like to thank the Episcopal Church in Vermont, our other Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition partners, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, and everyone who has supported this project. (Want to help us protect more special lands? Become a member today!)
Conserving Rock Point Video!
The Conserving Rock Point video, which premiered at the Lake Champlain Land Trust 2020 Annual Meeting, highlights the natural, scenic and recreational resources of Rock Point. Thanks to our partners, dedicated members and everyone who contributed, the Rock Point Peninsula is now conserved forever. (Click here to watch on YouTube)
Rock Point Trail Work Images and “Before and After” Photo Slider!
The transformation of the Rock Point trail system is now complete. The new stone stairs, boardwalks and overlook fencing look great and make the trails safer than ever. Click here to view photos of the improvements.
About the Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition Project
Conserving the Land
Together, the Rock Point and Arms Forests comprise one of the largest and most cohesive natural areas remaining in Burlington. They offer visitors a remote and restful experience, are home to an array of rare plant species, and provide critical habitat for local wildlife. Despite these amazing attributes, much of the area lacks permanent protection, and public access to portions of this community treasure could be lost in the future. Conserving the Rock Point and Arms Forests forever protects:
- Stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain, downtown Burlington, the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks from several lookouts.
- The iconic Rock Point peninsula, which is highly visible from numerous vantage points, including the Burlington Waterfront boardwalk, North Beach, Battery Park, and the Bike Path.
- Over a mile of cliff-walled shoreline that provides paddlers and boaters with rare views of what the earliest travelers spotted from the Lake.
- Exceptional biological diversity, including over 20 rare and endangered plant species and a state-significant Limestone Bluff Cedar-Pine Forest.
- A large block of urban forestland and wetlands that serves as an important water quality buffer for Lake Champlain by absorbing and filtering water flowing off the land.
Ensuring Public Access for All
The Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition seeks to encourage appropriate public access onto these lands, particularly on the trails throughout the Arms Forest and along the shoreline of the Rock Point Peninsula. However, the trails will need to be relocated, repaired, properly constructed, and designed for long-term use and maintenance. This campaign will enable the partners to actively manage and improve the area’s well-used trails and create one coherent trail network. The campaign will:
- Ensure permanent public access to an improved and ecologically-sensitive trail system. Hikers, cross-country runners, and skiers will be directed to specific, reinforced trails. Mountain bikers will be allowed on designated trails east of the bike path.
- Enable the construction of professionally designed kiosks and wayfinding signs that will clearly direct trail users to different recreation opportunities in a way that best protects the integrity of the trail system, the area’s natural resources, and those who enjoy the
An Urban Wilderness with Unique Geology
Just minutes from downtown Burlington one can walk under a canopy of old growth hemlocks, marvel at geologic wonders, and watch Peregrine Falcons soar over dramatic lakeshore cliffs. The 160-acre Rock Point-Arms Forest is an urban wilderness unlike any other. Geologists from around the world travel to Rock Point to view the Champlain Thrust Fault, which is one of the largest and most visible exposures of an ancient, Dolomite thrust fault in North America. View our info-sheets for more information about the wild forests and unique geology of Rock Point.
How You Can Help
Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Rock Point and Arms Forest Coalition Campaign. We are still seeking funds for ecological restoration and long-term stewardship of the land. Help us restore Rock Point’s rare forest habitats and care for this regional treasure into the future.
Since 1978, the Lake Champlain Land Trust has conserved 17 islands, 25 miles of shoreline, and more than 15,000 acres—including more than 25 public access natural areas. Learn more about how you can help us protect Lake Champlain and the land surrounding it.
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(Featured Photo, Top of Webpage: Damon Aerial Imagery)
