Mount Independence hike

Yesterday we got out for a hike along the shores of Lake Champlain. We visited a state historical site - Mount Independence which was a fort during the American Revolution.

It was a lovely day for a walk. Cool in the morning, low humidity but warmed up by the time we finished the hike.

The trail was very well maintained. One section was even wheel chair accessible 🙂

We did most of the trails available and got in about 5 miles.

Yesterday was a free state park day to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington.

We had been wanting to do this hike but didn't really want to pay admission to the park to access the trails.

We hiked a loop out to the point and back.

There is a monument out by the point.

The fort was remained Mount Independence when the troops stationed there in 1776 were read the Declaration of Independence.

Fort Ticonderoga is on the opposite shore in New York. Lake Champlain is less than a quarter of mile across at this point and the two forts effectively defended the lake.

The combined forts convinced the first British invasion fleet from Canada to turn back in 1776.

The British came back in 1777 and took the two forts.

Mount Defiance is a slightly higher postion overlooking both forts. The Americans dismissed it as too steep to occupy and fortify. The British none the less managed to drag cannons up Mount Defiance effectively taking the high ground. The Americans retreated.

Fort Ticonderoga still stands on the New York side but when the Americans turned back the British at the Battle of Saratoga the British forces occupying Mount Independence burned it to the ground.

So other than the museum and some foundations, there isn't much to see on the Vermont side.

But it was a good spot for a Sunday morning hike.

Fort Ticonderoga has a lot to do with the Fort and period re-ennactments even an excursion boat for tours of the lake.

Its on our list to visit and will provide a good excuse to take the ferry over to New York.