Grand Isle, North Hero, Alburgh, Isle La Motte

North Hero Views of the Lake – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

This is a not-to-miss ride! O.K. so clocking in at 45 miles, this is a long one, but it is mostly flat with beautiful views of Lake Champlain on every side. At each corner you are presented with yet another gorgeous view of the lake and lake shore.

Parking at the Grand Isle School – Saturday in the Summer – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

We parked at the Grand Isle Elementary School and headed south on Rt. 2 -a very short distance until we could turn left on East Shore Road, which hugs the Lake Champlain coastline for much of its distance.

East Shore Drive – Grand Isle – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

The road is paved, but relatively untravelled except for the occasional jogger. With gorgeous views of the lake, this road veers inland and back out again, repeatedly, until dumping us back on Rt. 2 N so we could cross the bridge into North Hero.

On the inland sections, there is an abundance of gardens and farms on this fertile island land.

Commercial Farm with lake in the distance – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

Rt 2 Bridge into North Hero – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

Welcome to North Hero – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

You pass Knight Point State Park – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

You ride again on Rt 2, to pass Knight Point State Park, a 54 acre day use park with trails and picnic spots on the lake.

Hero’s Welcome Store – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

A highlight of the ride was a quick visit to Hero’s Welcome in the village of North Hero. This store has something to offer everyone, (including – in our case- a coffee and brownie!).

Good Humor in North Hero – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

Riding along Lake Champlain – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

This ride takes you through the southern tip of Alburg before you head into the most interesting part of this ride – Isle La Motte.

Originally settled as a fort on Lake Champlain in the 1660’s, this island is home to a large outdoor shrine that attracts visitors from all over the US and Canada on “pilgrimages.” The shrine is open air and quite lovely (although I wonder how they protect it from the elements in the winter!), and opposite a park that houses a”stations of the cross” experience.

Stations of the Cross on Isle La Motte – *photo Marcia Gauvin*

We stayed at the Grand Isle State Park, and went out for a bean burger at a The Rest Stop food truck at Keeler Bay. Excellent food, excellent prices, excellent view.