Mount Independence State Historic Site
A vast Revolutionary fortification survives as archaeology beneath forest
Artwork inspired by Margaret Hardon Wright
A vast Revolutionary fortification survives as archaeology beneath forest Six miles of trails connect batteries, hospital foundations, encampments, bridge approaches, and museum artifacts across a strategic Lake Champlain peninsula. This was not a hilltop skirmish site but a military city engineered to defend New England, supported by thousands of soldiers and a floating bridge to Ticonderoga.
See the museum first, then choose the accessible Baldwin Trail or a longer archaeological circuit with the map in hand. Tickets are required for the grounds and trails during the staffed season; terrain, insects, heat, and limited water demand preparation.
- Trails
- Six miles
- Built
- 1776–1777
- Status
- National Historic Landmark
Quick guide
- Start in the museum
- Artifacts make the earthworks easier to read.
- Choose Baldwin
- The 1.6-mile accessible trail offers strong context.
Know before you go
- Start in the museum
- Artifacts make the earthworks easier to read.
- Choose Baldwin
- The 1.6-mile accessible trail offers strong context.
- Find the batteries
- Lake views explain the defensive logic.
- Carry water
- The wooded circuit is longer and rougher than expected.
Good to know
Tickets are required for the grounds and trails during the staffed season; terrain, insects, heat, and limited water demand preparation.
Notice these
- Baldwin Trail
- lake batteries
- fort foundations