Mount Independence

About trip

The site of a strategic American Revolutionary War fort, Mount Independence was named after news arrived from Philadelphia regarding the signing of Thomas Jefferson’s now-famous Declaration. Located on the opposite shore of Lake Champlain from the more recognized Fort Ticonderoga, this lesser-known encampment played a critical part in the ultimate demise of British General Burgoyne’s failed attempt to divide the American colonies in half. Today, visitors can experience this historic site on more than 3 miles of mostly level trails, learn about the early struggles of the American Revolution while touring an informative museum, and enjoy many natural wonders surrounding Lake Champlain. Begin at the park visitor center. Depending on your preference, you can tour the center’s museum before or after your journey. The displays and artifacts paint a vivid picture of the difficulties experienced by soldiers on both sides of the battle. Once you are ready to venture outdoors, begin on the west branch of the handicapped-accessible Green Trail. This well-marked path, like each of the trails in the park, includes numbered spots along the way. The park provides a brochure that describes each location in greater detail. The Green Trail soon leads to a spur left that arrives at a viewpoint across the lake to Mount Defiance and distant Fort Ticonderoga. In 1777, British artillery shelled Mount Independence from high atop Mount Defiance, helping to hasten the speedy evacuation of the site by American colonial forces. Back to the main branch of the Green Trail, continue east past the former site of a hospital to the start of the Blue Trail. Turn left on the less-manicured Blue Trail and descend quickly toward the shore of the lake. Pass a number of archaeological remains, including a ramp where a crane once lifted supplies to the top of the peninsula. After swinging through a field, the path ends at a junction with the Orange Trail. Turn left and descend to the northern tip of the point. Here, the trail visits two spots on the shore of Lake Champlain, the first from a small outcropping and the second near a former floating bridge site. Continue south past a stone obelisk and slowly climb to the Horseshoe Battery site and nice views of Fort Ticonderoga. Follow the west branch of the Orange Trail as it wanders across the center of the peninsula. Rising up gentle terrain, the path weaves in and out of open fields and soon reaches a spur right that leads to a scenic point near the old crane site. Hike south over the area’s 306-foot high point; scan the remains of the former fort’s barracks. Level terrain follows and spurs your imagination. How difficult it must have been, being stationed here more than two centuries ago, with waves of redcoats marching south. As the Orange Trail ends at a junction with the Green Trail, turn left on the well-groomed path as it passes seven additional archaeological markers en route to the visitor center.