Mount Independence
The site of a strategic American Revolutionary
War fort, Mount Independence was named after
news arrived from Philadelphia regarding the
signing of Thomas Jeffersonâ€™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 Burgoyneâ€™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 centerâ€™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 areaâ€™s 306-foot high
point;
scan the remains of the former fortâ€™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.
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