COLCHESTER / SOUTH HERO CAUSEWAY

BIKE FERRY RUNNING WEEKENDS IN AUGUST 2008

For 2008, the bike ferry across the cut in the historic and incomparably scenic marble causeway between Colchester and South Hero will operate for all five weekends in August, plus Labor Day (September 1st). A donation of at least $5 to help offset our operational expense is suggested for round-trip passage.

This event is organized by the South Hero Rec Path Committee and Local Motion. As progress continues toward the goal of daily service throughout the season, these non-profit organizations have been making limited demonstration crossings possible since 2001.

The ferry will operate continuously on August Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm. For those driving to the event, please park at Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, Airport Park in Colchester or Leddy Park in Burlington.

Traverse Lake Champlain by bike and by foot! Make a whole day family event of exploring the Islands’ orchards and vineyards, Colchester’s lakeshore, and Burlington’s waterfront attractions. The ferry will operate in rain but not in severe weather or high-wind conditions. For ferry status, call 652-2453 or 316-6382.

This demonstration service relies on over 30 volunteers each year. Volunteers are needed for half-day shifts. Boating experience a plus, but not at all necessary. Call 652-2453 to sign up.

With the conclusion of four successful Winooski River bike ferry seasons (due to the construction of the new trail bridge), Local Motion is now focused on initiating ferry service across the 200 foot “cut” in the Colchester-South Hero causeway.

The 200-foot open water gap in the Colchester / South Hero Causeway is the missing link in a continuous trail connecting Burlington’s downtown, Colchester’s natural areas, and South Hero’s orchards.

It remains Local Motion's goal to offer daily service throughout the season; however, a prerequisite for that level of service is the completion of South Hero's South Street improvement project which will add 3-4 foot shoulders for bicycles and pedestrians. Completion of that project is at least two years away.

Bike Ferry Charter Service Available!

In addition to August weekends, the ferry is also available anytime throughout the season for hire as a charter. To cover our costs, we must charge a minimum of $120, but that includes one-way passage for up to 18 passengers. Call our Trailside Center for details and reservations, 652-2453. A scenic route that includes our ferry is known as the "triple ferry route" - a loop through the Champlain Islands, across the lake on the Plattsburgh ferry, along the New York shore to Port Kent, and back to Burlington on a second Lake Champlain Transportation Co. ferry.

For historic information on the former Winooski River Bike Ferry service, click here.