A 6-night/6-day, 46-mile hiking loop that starts in Westport and makes its way up to Willsboro before winding back a different way to Westport.
Adirondack Hamlets to Huts has collaborated with Champlain Area Trails (CATS) to establish the Westport – Willsboro Circuit and is excited to offer a pilot trip of this awesome farm and forest loop! Celebrate autumn this October in the Champlain Valley on this 6-night/6-day hiking excursion that takes you up and over low mountains with great views and along country roads where you can immerse yourself into the farms and forests of the Adirondacks’ banana belt. This guided trip features two nights of lodging on Lake Champlain, including a night at the luxurious Essex Inn, three farm stays, plenty of fresh, local food, and hikes up Coon, Split Rock, and North Bouquet mountains.
NIGHT 1, Sunday, October 16th: Meet up at the Lakeside Motel in Westport at 8:00 PM for a briefing session having already eaten dinner.
DAY 1, NIGHT 2, Monday, October 17th: We’ll hike 8.4 miles from Westport up and over Coon Mountain to Barred Owl Brook Farm. The views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains in Vermont from modest Coon Mountain are fantastic. We’ll learn a bit about the ecological importance of the Split Rock Wildway during our stay here at BOBF.
DAY 2, NIGHT 3, Tuesday, October 18th: On our second and longest hiking day, we’ll go 12.7 miles from Barred Owl Brook Farm up along Split Rock Mountain, on country roads and through fields down into the quaint community of Essex. We will enjoy awesome views of Lake Champlain and all points east as we traverse the Split Rock Mountain ridge. Once we leave Split Rock Wild Forest, we’ll make our way north to Essex via one of Champlain Area Trails’ newest projects, the Essex Quarry. A fine dinner at the exquisite Essex Inn will be the much-deserved reward for our day’s travel.
DAY 3, NIGHT 4, Wednesday, October 19th: On Day 3, we’ll have a more leisurely hike of 6 miles from Essex to Willsboro, where we’ll spend the night glamping away at Old Orchard Place overlooking a grove of apple trees. Along the way we’ll stop at Noblewood Park on Lake Champlain and get some sand between our toes! Dinner that evening will be at Old Orchard Place, where we will enjoy some of the finest pizza and eats to be found in the Champlain Valley!
DAY 4, NIGHT 5, Thursday, October 20th: We skirt the Bouquet River and hike up and over North Bouquet Mountain on Day Four as we make our way south from Willsboro to glamping at Echo Farm. We cover almost 10 miles on this day as we pass through a variety of enchanting landscapes. Dinner this evening will be courtesy of the team at Farmstead Catering, who will treat us to a sumptuous meal that defines “eating local.”
DAY 5, NIGHT 6, Friday, October 21st: After a fresh-cooked breakfast at Echo Farm, we’ll hike 9 miles on our final full day to DaCy Meadow Farm just outside of Westport. We will stop for lunch in Wadhams at the local gem, The Dogwood Bread Company, before finishing our hiking loop at DaCy Meadow Farm, itself another slice of pastoral heaven, where we will once again be treated to some amazing local, farm-fresh eats. We’ll spend the evening gathered around a campfire, recounting our trip’s adventures and stories.
DAY 6, Saturday, October 22nd: We enjoy one last, farm-fresh meal with an awesome breakfast at DaCy Meadow Farm before bidding all many thanks for good times shared and safe travels home!
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Westport
Meet up at the Lakeside Motel in Westport at 8:00 PM for a briefing session having already eaten dinner.
Essex
We’ll hike 8.4 miles from Westport up and over Coon Mountain to Barred Owl Brook Farm. The views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains in Vermont from modest Coon Mountain are fantastic. We’ll learn a bit about the ecological importance of the Split Rock Wildway during our stay here at BOBF.
Essex
On our second and longest hiking day, we’ll go 12.7 miles from Barred Owl Brook Farm up along Split Rock Mountain, on country roads and through fields down into the quaint community of Essex. We will enjoy awesome views of Lake Champlain and all points east as we traverse the Split Rock Mountain ridge. Once we leave Split Rock Wild Forest, we’ll make our way north to Essex via one of Champlain Area Trails’ newest projects, the Essex Quarry. A fine dinner at the exquisite Essex Inn will be the much-deserved reward for our day’s travel.
Willsboro
On Day 3, we’ll have a more leisurely hike of 6 miles from Essex to Willsboro, where we’ll spend the night glamping away at Old Orchard Place overlooking a grove of apple trees. Along the way we’ll stop at Noblewood Park on Lake Champlain and get some sand between our toes! Dinner that evening will be at Old Orchard Place, where we will enjoy some of the finest pizza and eats to be found in the Champlain Valley!
Essex
We skirt the Bouquet River and hike up and over North Bouquet Mountain on Day Four as we make our way south from Willsboro to glamping at Echo Farm. We cover almost 10 miles on this day as we pass through a variety of enchanting landscapes. Dinner this evening will be courtesy of the team at Farmstead Catering, who will treat us to a sumptuous meal that defines “eating local.”
Westport
After a fresh-cooked breakfast at Echo Farm, we’ll hike 9 miles on our final full day to DaCy Meadow Farm just outside of Westport. We will stop for lunch in Wadhams at the local gem, The Dogwood Bread Company, before finishing our hiking loop at DaCy Meadow Farm, itself another slice of pastoral heaven, where we will once again be treated to some amazing local, farm-fresh eats. We’ll spend the evening gathered around a campfire, recounting our trip’s adventures and stories.
Westport
We enjoy one last, farm-fresh meal with an awesome breakfast at DaCy Meadow Farm before bidding all many thanks for good times shared and safe travels home!
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Westport – Willsboro Circuit Pilot Trip, 6 Nights/6 Days
October 16 – October 22, 2022
| Westport Willsboro Circuit |
Night 1 | Day 1 Night 2 |
Day 2 Night 3 |
Day 3 Night 4 |
Day 4 Night 5 |
Day 5 Night 6 |
Day 6 |
| 6 Nights 6 Days |
Sunday, October 16 |
Monday, October 17 |
Tuesday, October 18 |
Wednesday, October 19 |
Thursday, October 20 |
Friday, October 21 |
Saturday, October 22 |
| Arrive in Westport. Stay at the Westport Inn |
Hike from Westport up and down Coon Mountain and over to Barred Owl Brook Farm. | Hike from Barred Owl Brook Farm along Split Rock Mountain to Essex. | Hike from Essex to Willsboro. | Hike from Willsboro to Echo Farm. | Hike from Echo Farm to Westport. Hike to Dacy Meadow Farm. | Breakfast at Dacy Meadow Farm. Head out. | |
| Lodging | Lakeside Motel | Barred Owl Brook Farm | Essex Inn | Old Orchard Place | Echo Farm | Dacy Meadow Farm | |
| Hiking (miles) |
8.4 | 12.7 | 6.0 | 9.8 | 9.0 | ||
| Total Miles | 45.9 |
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Other Notes:
A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of booking. You may make your payment via our “DONATE” button on the Adirondack Hamlets to Huts website here.
Proof of vaccination and booster is required.
Although this Pilot Trip provides comfortable lodging at the end of each day, this experience involves backcountry travel from one place of lodging to the next. You will be exposed to elements of the weather and terrain and must be clothed appropriately. Mid-May weather in the Adirondacks straddles the spring and summer seasons, meaning that the weather could range from rainy and cool to sunny and warm. Trekkers must be sufficiently fit in order to ably hike the necessary distances from one place of lodging to the next. Although this time of year is noted for black flies in the Adirondacks, black flies are not much of a factor in the Champlain Valley.
Please call Joe at 315.657.1320 with any questions you may have.
Adirondack Hamlets to Huts will provide you with a clothing and gear list upon booking. Given that this is a guided trip, we require that you sign an Acknowledgement of Risk/Waiver of Liability form and fill out an AHH medical history form.
Reservation Policy
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your trip starts.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 14 days or more before the start of the trip are eligible to receive an electronic gift card valid for 12 months from the date of issuance for the amount paid to date. Refunds are not available for reservations cancelled within 14 days of the start of the selected trip.
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information and Reservations
- What special precautions have you taken regarding COVID-19
Stay tuned for more information. - What does an AHH trip include?
You can custom design your trip to include whatever you like. Booking a room and some meals for a self-guided trip is the basic form of booking but you can arrance canoe or bike rental, vehicle or equipment shuttle, and even a guide if that is your desire. - What exactly is Adirondack Hamlets to Huts?
Adirondack Hamlets to Huts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates, manages and promotes an internationally-acclaimed hamlet-to-hut system that fosters vibrant communities by advancing economic development, conservation and wellness. We work with existing lodging owners to the greatest degree possible to allow travelers to hike, paddle, bike, snowshoe or ski during the day and stay in a range of lodgings from rustic to regal at night on routes that we’ve designated. Trips typically are circuits in that they start and finish in the same place or traverses starting in one community and finishing in another. - Is there a membership program for AHH?
AHH is in the process of establishing a membership program that will allow travelers to support our mission and get a variety of benefits. Stay tuned for more information. - How can I help AHH?
Book one of our trips, make a donation, help us spread the good word through your social media network. - Can I volunteer?
Sure. We’re always looking for volunteers to help. Volunteers can help out in our Trails Center, do some trail checking for us or in a number of other ways. Contact us to volunteer. - How long has AHH existed?
AHH as a nonprofit was created in 2017 but our efforts to create an Adirondack-based hut-to-hut system started in 2015 with funding from the NYS Department of State and Department of Environmental Conservation. - How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
We recommend booking as far in advance as possible but don’t let that prevent you from trying to book something at the last minute. Summer months are usually the busiest and spring and fall usually have the best last minute opportunities. - How do I change a booking?
Stay tuned for more information. - I haven’t received a confirmation on my booking. What should I do?
Stay tuned for more information. - What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 14 days or more before the start of the trip are eligible to receive an electronic gift card valid for 12 months from the date of issuance for the amount paid to date. Refunds are not available for reservations cancelled within 14 days of the start of the selected trip. - When and how do I pay?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your trip starts. - How can I check for availability?
Visit our Booking page. - Do I need to be an AHH member to travel a route?
No. When our membership program goes online there will be distinct advantages to being a member but it is not required. - How can I support the NYSDEC and their work maintaining trails?
A Trails Supporter Patch is available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Patch proceeds help maintain and enhance non-motorized trails throughout New York State. - How can I help support AHH?
You can make a much appreciated donation HERE.
Lodging and Food
- Do lodgings have alcoholic beverages?
Some do and some don’t. Most allow guests to bring their own beverages but you should check where they can be consumed. - Do all lodgings have toilets and showers?
Yes they do although in some cases they may be shared with other guests. - What are tipping expectations?
Stay tuned for more information - Is tent camping allowed outside of lodgings?
In most cases camping is NOT allowed unless they have a separate campground. Call us or the specific lodging for more information. - What are the sleeping arrangements?
Sleeping arrangements are made at the time of booking. Rooms are private unless otherwise stated. - How are the lodgings different?
Lodgings range from rustic to regal and everything in between. All our lodges have their own websites where you can learn more about them. Contact us with specific questions. - When should I arrive at my first night’s lodging?
We encourage travelers to arrive in the early afternoon so they can get a feel for the community they are starting in and make any last minute arrangements. - Can we have an evening campfire?
Each lodging location is different in their ability to have evening campfires. Check their website or contact them directly for more specific information. - Do all lodgings have electricity, WIFI, or cell service?
All lodgings have electricity and WIFI. Cell service can be poor to nonexistent at some locations. - What do I do for meals?
Some meals may be provided as part of your lodging and in other cases not. Recommendations for meals will, however, be provided for each day of your trip. - Can you accommodate people with special diets or food allergies?
Yes. Virtually all restaurants and lodgings offer some sort of vegetarian and gluten free options. - Is coffee available at lodgings?
If perchance, coffee is not available at your lodging it will be available where you get your breakfast. - What do we do for water on the trail?
In most cases you should be able to carry your day’s water with you. If you need more along the way you should carry some form of water treatment. i.e., a filter, steripen, or tablets, and get it out of a lake, pond or stream. We do not recommend consuming untreated water other than in an emergency. - Can we prepare our own meals at the different lodgings?
Some places of lodgings have kitchenettes. Check with your lodging host ahead of time.
Clothing, Gear and Vehicles
- What clothing and gear do I need?
See our clothing and gear list. Coming soon. - Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No lodgings at this time require a sleeping bag. Future routes may. - How is luggage delivered to my nightly lodging?
Stay tuned for more information. - Can I drive to our first night’s lodging?
Yes. Make sure you leave enough time to get dinner locally if it is not provided as part of your booking. - How safe is my vehicle where it is parked?
We recommend locking your car but it is extremely rare to have any issues with parked vehicles. - How do I get back to my car?
If your route starts and finishes at a different location (a Traverse) then an option exists to have your vehicle shuttled to your finish or to have you shuttled back to your starting point. - Do I need a parking permit?
No. There are no parking permits needed at this time.
On the Trail (or Water)
- My trip includes more than one mode of travel. (hiking, paddling, a/o biking) How do I get my bike or canoe delivered?
You can rent any necessary gear which will include delivery and pick up where necessary. In addition delivery and shuttling of your personal gear can be arranged. Contact us for more information. - How hard are the trips?
See the difficulty rating of the trip you are considering and our Difficulty Rating Table (link) to get an idea of how difficult your trip may be. Keep in mind that what is easy for one person may be very challenging for another. - Do I need a guide?
We recommend a guide for anyone who cannot read a map and use a compass, has little or no experience planning and leading their own trips and/or has no first aid training. - Will I encounter hunters on my trip?
Big Game hunting season in the Adirondacks is from approximately the last week of September to mid December.
Small game hunting season is from approximately October 1 to March 20.
Travelers should consider wearing fluorescent orange during those times of year depending on their route. Call for more detailed information. - What if I have an emergency or what if someone needs to contact me in an emergency?
Cell phone use is intermittent or nonexistent in portions of the Adirondack Park. You should consider leaving the phone numbers of your lodgings with family or friends before you leave in case of emergency. If you have an emergency while out on the trail or water call the DEC dispatch number of 518-891-0235 or 911. - Where is the nearest medical care center?
Stay tuned for more information. - Where can I get a map?
You can purchase maps through the AHH Trails Center. Contact us for more information. - Do I need first aid training?
We recommend that all self-guided travelers have at least one group member with first aid training. Contact your nearest American Red Cross office for the date and location of a first aid course near you. - Do I need map and compass skills?
We recommend map and compass skills for all self-guided travelers. Contact us if you would like to attend one of our map and compass classes. - Can I mountain bike all the hiking trails?
Many but not all of the trails on our routes allow mountain bike travel. Trails in designated Wilderness areas do not allow mountain bikes. Designated Wild Forest trails vary in terms of allowing mountain bikes. Contact us for more information. - Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on hut-to-hut routes at this time. - How are the trails marked? Do I need a map?
Yes, a map is considered essential. We are in the process of establishing GPS waypoints for all daily starting and finishing points and GPS routes themselves.
Our Vision - Trips for Everyone
Weekend trips. Week-long trips. Some all hiking. Some all paddling. Some in which you can do both-- paddle and hike, even paddle and bike. No matter how long your selected route or your mode of travel, there are no tents to carry, camp stoves to struggle with, or mosquitoes biting you in your sleep on an Adirondack Hamlets to Huts trek.
You will travel to and through charming and historic Adirondack communities as well as amazing wild landscapes that make the Adirondacks the special place that it is. Our routes celebrate both the settled and the sublime, the culture of the Adirondacks as much as its nature. Your lodging will run the gamut, from the simple, such as walled tents, yurts, cabins, and motels, to the grand, including bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, lodges, and inns.
Come to the Adirondacks and experience the Park with Adirondack Hamlets to Huts. Adventure by day. Comfort at night.
Your donation helps us establish new routes!
Support Adirondack Hamlets to Huts and assist us in advancing wellness, conservation and vibrant communities throughout the Adirondack Park.
