LEWIS — Champlain Area Trails invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of the new Mount Inez Trail on Aug. 1.
The celebration will bring together community members, local leaders and project partners to commemorate both a new public trail and the successful effort to rename the mountain in honor of Inez Milholland, the women’s suffrage advocate, attorney and longtime Lewis resident whose name now graces the mountain overlooking the Boquet Valley.
The evening begins with a dedication ceremony featuring speakers who played key roles in the mountain renaming effort followed by a special musical performance by students from the Meadowmount School of Music.
After the ceremony, participants can join a guided hike on the newly completed Mt. Inez Trail or enjoy the shorter Meadowmount Woods Trail.
“Mount Inez is more than a beautiful destination, it’s a place where history, conservation and community come together,” Arin Burdo, rxecutive firector of CATS, said in a press release.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone to experience this spectacular new trail while celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Inez Milholland and the community partnerships that made this project possible.”
The Mt. Inez Trail is a 3.2-mile round-trip hike rated moderate to challenging, starting at the trailhead on Ray Woods Road in Lewis.
Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the High Peaks, the rocky ridgeline above the Boquet Valley and the surrounding Champlain Valley landscape. The trail begins with a gradual climb before ascending more steeply during the final mile, gaining approximately 600 feet in elevation to the 1,566-foot summit.
For those seeking a shorter outing, the new Meadowmount Woods Trail offers a scenic 1.5-mile walk through beautiful forestland.
The event includes light refreshments and is sponsored by Covered Bridge Realty.
Parking at the trailhead is limited. Attendees are encouraged to park at the Meadowmount School of Music and take the complimentary shuttle to the trailhead between 4:15 and 4:50 p.m.
Following the ceremony and hike, participants can return to their vehicles by walking the scenic Meadowmount Woods Trail.
Advance registration is requested.
To register or learn more about CATS, please visit champlainareatrails.com
For more information, contact CATS at 518-962-2287 or info@champlainareatrails.com