2018/19 Snow Traveler’s Guide to Vermont | 19 Here’s a pleasant ride on the Alburgh trails maintained by the Alburg Sno Springers Snowmobile Club. Trail access parking is on Industrial Avenue off Route 2 in the village. From the parking area at GI 1, proceed east on 78 (Alburgh Recreational Rail Trail) to GI 3. Take a right on 78B and continue to Crossroads Travel Center (Maplefields) for coffee, snacks and fuel if needed. 78B continues on to GI 7, where a left turn will put you on 2 South. The trail passes through farm fields where wild turkeys and deer are often seen gleaning the corn missed by the harvesters. The trail passes through two dairy farms before entering peaceful woods for a gentle climb to the summit. Alburg Sno Springers 3614 Lakeview Dr., North Hero, VT 05474 802-372-5709 facebook.com/alburgsnospringers On a clear day, the summit offers views of the Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. The trail rejoins the abandoned railroad trail and proceeds toward the Alburgh Dunes State Park. The park is situated on the south shore of the Alburgh peninsula. It is a sensitive area with one of the few sand beaches on Lake Champlain, and actual sand dunes. Please stay on the marked trail, and enjoy the view down the lake to the south. The park entrance sign is a popular background for pictures. The trail leaves the park momentarily and parallels Coon Point Road before re-entering the park at an abandoned airstrip. Here it ends near the park ranger’s house. The return ride heading north on Corridor 2 gives a different perspective and views along the way. At GI 7, it’s time to turn left again, staying on Corridor 2 north. Where the trail crosses Route 2, the Island Bargain Barn has a good selection of tools, tow and hitch accessories. Back at GI 1, a secondary trail will take you to Alburgh Beverage Mart. Their deli offers delicious homemade soups, daily lunch specials and a wide variety of sandwiches and grinders. From GI 1, follow 78 east to GI 4 for the east loop. It winds through a mix of farm fields and woods to a point overlooking the Alburgh – Swanton Bridge across Lake Champlain, before returning to the rail trail. Stay west on the rail trail to GI 2. A right turn will take you to GI 8 where the 78W loop splits. Left will take you (quickly) to the Jolly Quick Stop for fuel and snacks. Right will proceed through several diverse farms around to the Bay Flats and back to GI 8. There are about 30 miles of VAST trails on the Alburgh peninsula. We hope you’ll visit and enjoy them. They are suitable for snowmobilers of all abilities. Please respect our landowners by staying on the marked trails. Grand Isle Featured Ride Clubs - Grand Isle County (Dave Ladd photo)