mount independence state historic site

I am researching a guy who fought at this site in 1777 and wanted to experience the place for myself. My husband, myself, and my twelve year old brother came here with a picnic lunch, a camera, and hiking shoes and had a great time. One suggestion I have for someone looking to go here is to wait for good weather, as everything cool to see is out on the trails. There is a nice visitors center, with friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a decent exhibit, but the ruins and actual sites of battles, hospitals, engineering, and cannons are all to be found on the 10 miles of trains up and around the hill. Some of the trails are accessible for wheelchairs and whatnot, and they are clearly marked on the map and signs, while others are more like dirt paths. Althought there is some up and down if you go to the far end (towards the lake), none of the trails are difficult or have difficult footing. I really appreciated the pamphlet/map I got at the visitor's center that has the self-guided tour of all the historic stops. I found the information on the guide interesting and the places easy to find (there were only 2 locations, I think, that we passed by without seeing the signs, but I also think we were going the other way than they anticipate people going). A few of the stops don't look like much and if you're not a history buff might seem lame, but most of the sites had ruins and foundation crumblings, or obvious man-built hills, ditches, etc., so it was easy to imagine the past alive. Best of all, I found my research subject quoted in one of the historic signs up at one of the sights! Overrall, this is a good place to visit (and cheap!) if you want to see some beauty, walk in the forest, and maybe be entertained by reading about Revolutionary War stuff.

My husband and I visited Mount Independence on July 18th. We started at the Visitor's Center, which is constructed in the shape of a bateaux. They had an interesting film as well as an exhibit of soldiers in the center of the room. It seemed to have film projected onto the faces which brought the soldiers to life. On one end was a British Officer speaking about his experiences and on the other end was an American soldier doing the same. It was fascinating. The woman at the desk was very friendly and helpful. She explained the layout of the trails and even offered us free bug spray as the horse flies were out in full force that day. We hiked one of the trails, at the end of which was a view of Mt. Defiance in New York State. We will definitely be back to hike more of the trails in the fall.

Mount Independence has extensive hiking trails with great views of Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga. It also has a tremendous amount of history for those that are willing to look. Just remember to bring your bug spray.

Small but interesting museum/visitor's center built to resemble a batteau. The introduction movie was well done and gave a good overview of the events that took place Mount Independence. The maps and photographs helped place buildings and events in my mind before venturing out onto the trails. The Discovery Area contained a good selection of period clothing for children to try on. We walked the 1.6 mile Baldwin trail, it was well marked with interpretive signs placed along the length. The path was flat and well packed, easy enough to push a stroller or for youngsters to follow. The view of Fort Ticonderoga and Mt. Defiance was spectacular. Our trip included a visit to Fort Ticonderoga, Mt. Defiance and Crown Point.

Both on their web site and in their pamphlet they claim wheelchair accessability.This must have been written by an Estate Agent with a great imagination!Their leaflet states "Baldwin Trail (1.6 miles) The Baldwin Trail, with its two,spur yet ails, covers the southern half of the Mount. It has compact surfaces and gentle grades with no stairs, and is suitable for out door wheelchairs". As my wife had a fall whilst on holiday which required an emergency operation and she was told she must not put any weight on her foot for 4weeks I purchased a wheelchair. The only one on sale in the town was a lightweight chair with 8 inch wheels! In view of the web description we went to Mount Independence with high hopes, what a disappointment! On arrival we went into the ticket office, which was in itself difficult as I had to push the wheelchair up a fairly steep gravel path. Once inside my wife explained about the wheelchair (which should have been obvious as she was sitting in it) but we were assured the Baldwin Trail, although slightly steep to start with did even out and was wheelchair accessable .We expected a firm concrete path instead it was made of, what looked like broken tiles. Now I am sure if you have a powerful motorised chair I am sure the Trail would have been OK. Or if you had a hospital type of solid chair and the "pusher" was a young man sturdily built and very fit it may again have been accessable. But as I am in my seventies and the wheelchair had 8 inch wheels there was not chance of us being able to use the Trail. We should have know this fact as when we bought the tickets the woman also,recommended the Orange Trail which is 2.5 miles long.So we returned to the museum, which is very small with few exhibits and even the film could not be shown as the sound was not working. When we explained all this to the staff, we were given sympathy BUT not offered a refund! So it was 10 dollars for just using t he restrooms.

Well worth the detour if you visit Hubbardton Battlefield first. The view of Fort Ticonderoga and Mt Defiance are fantastic if you enjoy history. This site was somehow overlooked until Vermont created a first class visitor center and paved trails.

This review was based on a trip in late July 2012.Pros: Quiet out of the way fort site; very good visitors center; site has not changed in 200 yearsCons: Has not changed in 200 years; lots of bugs in the forest

Our go to place for a quick hike with the dog on well maintained trails and interesting historic observations.

This place takes a whole lot of history and gets it to you quick and efficiently. Very nice museum and interpretive center, not overdone or to much like others I have been to. Very economical price, $5 per adult. Nice grounds and trails with very good information. Bring some bug repellant if it has been raining.Would go again!

I visited the Mount Independence site on a very hot day at the end of july 2011 and in spite of the heat, really enjoyed the experience. I should say that I have studied the Burgoyne campaign of 1777 so this was a site that I knew abut ahead of time. There are no significant remains of the fortifications left, but the site was interesting all the same as it was important to see where Mount Independence is situated in relation to Fort Ticonderoga. Seeing the Mount was important to gain that geographic understanding that would help me understand how and why that particular point was so important in both French and Indian War and the Revolution. That aside, the site is well maintained and the trails are not too difficult although, there is one trail (Baldwin) that does have a steep descent but it is not too bad. I would suggest wearing, at the least, good sneakers/running shoes or boots (especially if there has been a recent rain). I would also say that bug spray is an absolute necessity as the bugs nearly drove me mad at one point. On the whole, I would say that if you have the time, this is worth a visit. You can hike and take photos and enjoy great views of the Lake. If you have a sense of history, this site is even better.