Derway Island Nature Trail wilderness guide
Nature Area · VT

Derway Island Nature Trail

Derway Island Nature Trail offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts, featuring a beautiful wetlands ecosystem perfect for bird watching and leisurely hikes.

Nature Area1291+ Trails
DesignationNature Area
Total Wilderness Area129
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Derway Island Nature Trail

Derway Island Nature Trail offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts, featuring a beautiful wetlands ecosystem perfect for bird watching and leisurely hikes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the scenic city of Burlington, Vermont, Derway Island Nature Trail is a peaceful natural area known for its wetlands and diverse wildlife. This trail provides an escape from the urban environment, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. The ecological importance of Derway Island, with its wetlands, cannot be overstated as it serves as a crucial habitat for many bird species, amphibians, and other wildlife. Historically, this area has been used for conservation efforts aimed at maintaining the natural environment and ensuring the longevity of its unique ecosystem. For recreation, the trail is perfect for walking, birdwatching, and photography, offering picturesque views of the wetlands and Lake Champlain. It appeals to both locals and tourists looking for a quiet walk or a chance to observe nature closely.

Field Guide · Nature Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Derway Island Nature Trail

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Observation platforms for birdwatching✦ Rich diversity of wetland flora and fauna✦ Proximity to the scenic Lake Champlain✦ Access to quiet and tranquil surroundings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Derway Island Nature Trail

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Derway Island Nature Trail
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Derway Island Nature Trail
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Derway Island Nature Trail
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Derway Island Nature Trail.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, no permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Derway Island Nature Trail

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Burlington, Vermont
⌖ 2.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington is a vibrant town offering a seamless blend of city life and access to Vermont's outdoor adventure. Explore Lake Champlain, hike in the Green Mountains, or bike along the scenic trails.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Winooski, Vermont
⌖ 2.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Winooski, Vermont

Winooski, VT offers outdoor lovers a convenient riverfront town to kayak, fish, and bike with quick access to nearby hiking and winter sports. Its vibrant riverwalk and local culture make it a great basecamp for exploring northern Vermont’s outdoors.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
South Burlington, Vermont
⌖ 4.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

South Burlington, Vermont

South Burlington offers diverse outdoor activities from hiking and biking to winter sports on the shores of Lake Champlain. It's a perfect hub for nature enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.

Essex Junction, Vermont
⌖ 6.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Essex Junction, Vermont

Essex Junction, Vermont is a charming outdoor town offering visitors easy river paddling, scenic trails for hiking and biking, winter cross-country skiing, and tranquil fishing spots, all within a welcoming community rich in local culture.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Shelburne, Vermont
⌖ 8.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Shelburne, Vermont

Shelburne, Vermont offers peaceful hiking and biking trails, paddling on Lake Champlain, and winter sports in a scenic lakeside setting. It’s a friendly, accessible basecamp with natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Late Spring to Early Fall for water and trail activities; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Essex, Vermont
⌖ 8.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Essex, Vermont

Essex, Vermont offers easy access to hiking, paddling, and winter sports in a welcoming setting. With river trails and forest preserves, it’s a great spot for outdoor families and adventure seekers wanting a Vermont experience close to nature.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Derway Island Nature Trail

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Champlain Valley Dinner Train
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
TrainADV Bookable

Champlain Valley Dinner Train

Embark on a flavorful journey through Vermont aboard the Champlain Valley Dinner Train. Combine scenic vistas with gourmet dining for an unforgettable experience.

Train2.5 Hours • Ages 5+ • Weekends OnlyCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Sunset Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
PrivateADV Bookable

Private Sunset Cruise

Unwind on a private sunset cruise on Lake Champlain, enjoying spectacular views and a relaxing picnic on the water. Perfect for groups seeking a serene and memorable outdoor experience in Burlington, Vermont.

PrivateFor all ages! • $485 • 2 Hours • Up to 6 people! • Enjoy the sunset on your own private excursion!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sunset Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Sunset Cruise

Catch a Lake Champlain sunset from the Spirit of Ethan Allen—an easy 2–2.5 hour evening cruise from 1 College Street in Burlington with a la carte bites, a full bar, and captain’s-choice routes. Friday–Saturday DJ nights run mid-June through August.

Boat Tour2 to 2.5 Hour Cruise • All AgesCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Public Sunset Sailing Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Public Sunset Sailing Cruise

Catch Lake Champlain’s colors from the deck of a classic Friendship Sloop. This two-hour public sunset cruise out of Burlington is a small-group, BYO sailing experience that pairs maritime history with Adirondack skyline views.

Boat TourAboard Friend Ship or Wild Rose • Ages 13+ Two HoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Public Sunset Picnic Boat Cruise

Spend two relaxed hours aboard Buttercup on Lake Champlain: BYO picnic, glassware and Champagne tower provided, plus stops at Lone Rock Point and views of the Champlain Thrust Fault. Small groups, accessible boarding, and a local crew that brings geology, shipwrecks, and lake lore to life.

Boat TourAboard Buttercup • Two Hours • Ages 13+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Public Daytime Picnic Boat Cruise

Bring your own picnic and settle into Buttercup for a two-hour harbor cruise on Lake Champlain. Intimate, accessible, and rich with local geology and folklore, this BYO boat outing is a relaxed way to experience Burlington’s waterfront.

Boat TourAboard Buttercup • Two Hours • Ages 5+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Daytime Sailing Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Private Daytime Sailing Cruise

Step aboard a restored Friendship Sloop at the Burlington Community Boathouse for a two‑hour private sail on Lake Champlain. Glide past islands, shipwrecks, and mountain views while a licensed captain and deckhand share local history and maritime lore.

Boat Tour$400-$600 • All Ages • Two Hours • Can Accommodate up to 6 on Wild Rose, or up to 12 on Friend ShipCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Scenic Narrated Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Scenic Narrated Cruise

Board the Spirit of Ethan Allen at 1 College Street for a 90-minute narrated tour of Lake Champlain. See Lone Rock Point, Juniper Island, Rock Dunder, and Shelburne Bay while enjoying food, drinks, and accessible onboard comfort.

Boat Tour1 Hour and 30 Minutes • All AgesCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Sunset Sailing Cruise
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Private Sunset Sailing Cruise

Spend two hours aboard a restored Friendship Sloop, watching the Adirondacks sink behind a brilliant Lake Champlain sunset. Bring food and drinks, relax with an experienced captain and deckhand, and discover Burlington from the water.

Boat TourAll Ages • Can Accommodate up to 4 on Goldenrod, up to 6 on Wild Rose, or up to 12 on Friend ShipCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip