Facility Overview

Causeway Park Parking, located at 178 Mills Point Road in Colchester, Vermont, serves as the primary gateway to one of northern New England’s most celebrated outdoor destinations: the Colchester Causeway and Island Line Rail Trail. This open-air surface parking facility offers convenient staging for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the historic marble-and-granite railway causeway extending into Lake Champlain. Because it is a spacious, uncovered ground-level lot, there are no vertical clearance limits, making it exceptionally accommodating for high-profile vehicles, pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks, bike carriers, or kayak mounts.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated on the scenic shores of Malletts Bay and Lake Champlain, this parking area puts visitors steps away from premier natural and recreational highlights:

• Colchester Causeway & Island Line Trail: Direct access to the famous 3-mile causeway trail across Lake Champlain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
• Local Motion Bike Ferry: Located approximately 2.5 miles down the causeway, the seasonal bike ferry transports cyclists and pedestrians across the navigation cut to South Hero and the Champlain Islands.
• Airport Park: Located just 1.5 miles east, offering extensive sports facilities, tennis/pickleball courts, playground areas, restrooms, and overflow parking for trail visitors.
• Malletts Bay: A 5 to 10-minute drive to local waterfront eateries, marinas, boat rentals, and scenic public shoreline.
• Downtown Burlington: Located roughly 8 miles south along the connected Island Line Trail or a 20-minute drive, offering world-class dining, Church Street Marketplace, and lodging.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Drivers can reach the parking lot by taking Interstate 89 to Exit 16 or 17, continuing along US Route 7 and turning onto East Road or Porter’s Point Road toward Colchester Point Road and Mills Point Road. Navigating the quiet residential and lakeside roadways is straightforward, though drivers should maintain low speeds to accommodate heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic heading to the trail. While municipal transit does not run directly to Mills Point Road, the Island Line Trail provides a non-motorized direct link directly into Burlington. Major regional access is facilitated via Interstate 89, Vermont Route 127, and US Route 7.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous outdoor stalls with wide turning aisles suitable for vehicles carrying rear or roof bike racks.
• Direct Trail Access: Immediate step-off access to the packed-gravel surface of the Colchester Causeway.
• Informational Kiosks & Signage: On-site maps, trail rules, historical markers, and seasonal ferry schedules.
• Accessible Parking: Designated ADA-compliant parking stalls near the trailhead gate.
• Seasonal Restroom Facilities: Portable or seasonal restroom amenities available near the staging area during warm weather months.
• Bike Maintenance Friendly: Ample flat ground for unloading, assembling, and tuning bicycles before starting your ride.

Ideal For

• Cyclists and Bikers: The premier trailhead to launch a ride out onto the Causeway or embark on a multi-island tour via the bike ferry.
• Runners and Walkers: Those seeking flat, traffic-free exercise flanked on both sides by the open waters of Lake Champlain.
• Photographers and Birdwatchers: Visitors coming to capture stunning sunsets, Adirondack vistas, waterfowl, and seasonal migratory birds.
• Day-Trippers and Tourists: Travelers exploring Chittenden County and looking for an iconic, signature Vermont scenic experience.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Due to the immense popularity of the Causeway on sunny summer weekends and during peak autumn foliage, this parking area fills up quickly by mid-morning. If the Mills Point Road lot is full, drivers are strongly encouraged to park at nearby Airport Park (500 Colchester Point Road), which features a spacious paved parking lot and connects directly to the Causeway via a scenic 1.5-mile trail spur. Street parking along Mills Point Road is strictly prohibited to maintain safety and access for emergency vehicles. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics by carrying out all trash, keeping dogs leashed, and packing adequate water and wind layers, as weather on the open lake causeway can change rapidly.