Biking across the lake
The Island Line Trail is one of the most extraordinary bike rides in America. From Burlington’s waterfront it runs north along the shore, then out onto the Colchester Causeway — a narrow, three-mile stone railway bed built across open water in 1900, with Lake Champlain lapping on both sides and mountains on either horizon.
The bike ferry
Partway across, the causeway is broken by 'the Cut', a gap where steamships once passed. In season a small pontoon bike ferry shuttles cyclists across the 200-foot opening onto South Hero — turning a dead end into a gateway to the islands.
Island riding
Once on South Hero, quiet, flat roads thread past orchards, vineyards and farm stands. Riders can loop the southern islands or continue north toward Grand Isle and North Hero, stopping at Hero’s Welcome for a lakeside lunch.
Planning your ride
The ferry runs seasonally (roughly late spring through fall) on a set schedule — check before you go. Rent bikes on the Burlington waterfront, bring water, and allow time for photos: the causeway crossing is the highlight of the whole ride.
Good to know
What is the Colchester Causeway?+
A three-mile stone railway bed built across Lake Champlain in 1900, now a bike-and-walk path with water on both sides.
When does the bike ferry run?+
Seasonally, roughly late spring through fall, on a published schedule — confirm dates and hours before your ride.
Where do I rent a bike?+
On the Burlington waterfront, where the Island Line Trail begins.