Attractions and Places To See around Cumberland Head - Top 12

Cumberland Head, a peninsula on Lake Champlain, offers several natural attractions. You can enjoy the scenic views of Cumberland Bay, which lies between the peninsula and the mainland. Cumberland Bay State Park provides a 2,700-foot sandy beach, picnic areas, and opportunities for swimming and ice fishing in winter. Additionally, Point Au Roche State Park, a short drive away, features open and forested areas, a sandy beach, and facilities for boating and fishing on Lake Champlain.

Yes, Cumberland Head has a rich history. The historic Cumberland Head Lighthouse, established in 1838, is a significant landmark visible from the water or from a distance, such as from the Grand Isle, VT - Plattsburgh, NY ferry. The broader area also features several historic markers, including those for the 'Home Of John Addams Built 1790' and the 'Macdonough Farm,' highlighting the region's role in the War of 1812. You can also visit Clyde A. Lewis Park, which honors Cold War innovations and features aircraft monuments on the historic grounds of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

The area around Cumberland Head is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on trails like the Champlain Valley Trail, which is part of the Empire State Trail. For more cycling options, explore the road cycling routes or general cycling routes around Cumberland Head. Running enthusiasts can find various running trails, including loops from Cumberland Bay State Park. Lake Champlain offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, especially at Cumberland Bay State Park and Point Au Roche State Park.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Cumberland Bay State Park offers a sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas. Point Au Roche State Park also has a beach and picnic facilities. Clyde A. Lewis Park, with its aircraft monuments, can be an interesting stop for children. The Champlain Valley Trail is also noted as family-friendly for recreational rides.

The warmer months, typically from May through October, are ideal for enjoying most outdoor activities around Cumberland Head. During this period, the campground at Cumberland Bay State Park is open, and conditions are favorable for cycling, running, boating, and swimming. In winter, Cumberland Bay State Park becomes a popular spot for ice fishing.

While Cumberland Head itself is more residential, the nearby Downtown Plattsburg offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, many with outdoor seating. It's a good place to find coffee or stock up on snacks before or after your activities. For accommodation, Plattsburgh provides various options ranging from hotels to guesthouses.

Yes, Downtown Plattsburg is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a blend of history and activities in an accessible environment. While specific accessibility details for all natural parks are not provided, many state parks often have accessible pathways or facilities. It's always recommended to check directly with individual park administrations for the most current accessibility information.

Near the southern end of Cumberland Head, there is a landing for the Lake Champlain Transportation Company's ferry. This service connects to Gordon Landing on Grand Isle, Vermont, offering a unique travel experience and a gateway to exploring another state. You can even find Grand Isle State Park on the Vermont side, which provides access to scenic cycling trails.

The Champlain Valley Trail is a 6-mile stretch that forms part of the larger Empire State Trail. It's an ideal path for recreational riders and those interested in exploring New York State's canal heritage. The trail offers a pleasant experience for cycling, walking, and running, connecting various points of interest in the region.

Downtown Plattsburg is a settlement that blends history with modern activities. It features Trinity Park, which includes a War Memorial, benches, and picnic tables. You'll also find historic markers commemorating the War of 1812. The downtown area has a pleasant atmosphere with nice architecture, and offers various shops and restaurants, some with outdoor seating, making it a good spot to start or end a day of exploration.

Yes, Cumberland Bay State Park, located at the northern end of the peninsula, features a campground with 152 tent and trailer sites. Some sites offer electrical hookups. The campground is typically open from May through October, providing a convenient option for those wishing to extend their stay and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Point Au Roche State Park, situated on Lake Champlain's northwestern shore, is an 856-acre park offering a mix of open and forested areas. It's known for its sandy beach, picnic facilities, and 60 mooring sites in Deep Bay. Popular activities include boating, fishing, and volleyball, making it a versatile spot for recreation.