The Upper La Platte River Natural Area is a 65-acre extension of Shelburne’s community effort to protect incredible wildlife habitat along a major tributary of Lake Champlain’s Shelburne Bay—a drinking water source for over 60,000 residents. Conserved lands like the Upper La Platte River Natural Area absorb floodwaters and capture sediment and phosphorous that can negatively impact water quality. This stretch of the La Platte River provides key habitat for one of only two known populations of the rare Stonecat (a small nocturnal fish). The Natural Area also provides important habitat for River Otter, Bobcat, White-tailed Deer, and migrating songbirds.
The natural area is open year-round for free public access. The easy-to-moderate main trail is wide and regularly mowed. After crossing the La Platte River, the trail follows a gentle woods road, and then loops around a scenic hayfield. An out-and-back trail splits off the upper field loop, crosses a small brook, and then climbs gently to a stunning hemlock forest. (Please note that the brook may be impassable during early spring and following heavy rain events).
The Lake Champlain Land Trust has recently completed a major river restoration effort at the Upper La Platte River Natural Area to protect the water quality of Lake Champlain.
*Please note that dogs are not allowed in this natural area, which is home to plant communities and wildlife sensitive to disturbance. Thank you for your cooperation.
Directions
Trail Map and Guides
We invite you to download the following maps and guides (Click to Download):
Upper La Platte River Natural Area Trail Map
Printable Guide to the Upper La Platte River Natural Area
Family-friendly Educational Hiking Guide
*Please note that dogs are not allowed in this natural area, which is home to plant communities and wildlife sensitive to disturbance. Thank you for your cooperation.
History
In 2011, the Lake Champlain Land Trust worked with the private owner of the property, the Vermont Zen Center, to purchase the development rights (also known as a conservation easement) and permanent right to have free public access to the 65-acre property. The Land Trust worked with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Town of Shelburne’s Selectboard and the Shelburne Natural Resources and Conservation Committee to purchase the easement (including a special river protection zone) at a significant discount. The Land Trust agreed to help the owner keep the trails maintained.
The Lake Champlain Land Trust has recently completed a major river restoration effort at the Upper La Platte River Natural Area to protect the water quality of Lake Champlain.
Please respect the sensitive habitat, and please note that dogs are not allowed on the property.
Partners
The Upper La Platte River Natural Area was conserved in partnership with the Town of Shelburne, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Vermont Zen Center, and the Lake Champlain Land Trust.
