Champlain Valley Military Road

This 31-mile route traces the old Crown Point Military Road built by British forces in 1759, connecting Fort Ticonderoga to the ruins at Crown Point through rolling farmland and lake country. The well-maintained gravel road passes Ticonderoga’s restored stone fortress, then winds north through the Champlain Valley past markers where Benedict Arnold’s fleet fought the British in 1776. The highlight is the Crown Point Historic Site, where massive stone ruins overlook the lake narrows into Vermont.

Easy driving on maintained gravel with a few muddy sections in spring. Any vehicle with decent ground clearance can handle it – even loaded touring rigs run this route regularly. Open year-round but most scenic May through October when the lake isn’t frozen. No permits needed and plenty of established campgrounds along the route. Perfect introduction to New York backcountry driving with Revolutionary War history, lake views, and easy access to Adirondack adventures.