Burlington, Vermont

Lone Rock Point, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, is steeped in history and unique geologic significance.

Location Added By:

@wej12 (Instagram)

About This Location

Lone Rock Point, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, is steeped in history and geologic significance. Since 1855, Rock Point has served not just as a natural marvel, but also as a spiritual haven under the aegis of the Episcopal Church in Vermont. Throughout the years, the verdant expanse of Rock Point has drawn close to 10,000 visitors annually, providing them a serene setting to sing, play, pray, reflect, and reconnect. The expansive land, with its undulating trails and tranquil spots, has been witness to countless stories, experiences, and memories of those who've sought solace, friendship, learning, or adventure here. Whether one is reminiscing a summer at Rock Point Camp, musing over the knowledge gleaned at The Rock Point Center, or marveling at the wonders of Lake Champlain, Rock Point extends an open invitation to all, irrespective of their background.

Lone Rock Point, in particular, stands out as a geologic marvel. It exposes the Champlain Thrust, a thrust fault formed during the Taconic Orogeny. This thrust fault intriguingly reveals a contact between the ancient Cambrian-aged Dunham Dolomite and the Middle-Ordovician Iberville Shale. With a stratigraphic throw measuring approximately 8,850 feet, it’s a site of profound geological interest. Owing to its distinct geologic features, it has not only become a hotspot for geologists but also has been featured prominently in many structural geology textbooks. It's recognized as a quintessential example of a thrust fault, making it arguably the most frequented structural geology site in New England.

For those keen to visit, the optimal time to experience the magic of Lone Rock Point is between April and September. The site resonates with both locals and tourists, providing panoramic views of Lake Champlain, making it a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Furthermore, rock climbers find it an enticing challenge, though they must ensure they have a visitor pass and are registered.

Parking at Lone Rock Point, however, requires some planning. Limited parking is available at 5 Rock Point Road, with the parking lot accessible from dawn to dusk. Those who opt to park at the overflow lot at Burlington High School can take a leisurely walk southward along Rock Point Road for about half a mile to reach the trail leading to Lone Rock Point. However, parking beyond dusk, on grassy patches, or along Rock Point Road is strictly forbidden, and any violation might result in towing.

Dog lovers can take a sigh of relief as their furry friends are welcome at Lone Rock Point, though they must be kept on a leash. As with all natural wonders, visitors are encouraged to be respectful, ensuring that they leave the area just as pristine as they found it. The overarching principle remains: take only memories and photographs and leave only footprints.

Location Features

No items found.

Locations

Address:
Leddy Park Road, Burlington, Vermont

GPS Coordinates:
44.488361, -73.248722
Directions to location:
Click here for location directions
Directions to parking area:
Click here for parking directions
Parking Notes:
Visitors are encouraged, but parking availability on Rock Point is quite restricted. The recommended approach to access Rock Point trails by car is to park at Burlington High School and stroll south along Rock Point Road for approximately 0.5 miles to reach the short trail to Lone Rock Point. There is limited trail parking directly at 5 Rock Point Road, accessible from dawn until dusk. Parking beyond dusk or on the grassy areas and along Rock Point Road is strictly prohibited. Adherence to parking regulations is rigorously enforced, and those who violate the rules may face towing.

Reviews

Have you visited this location before? Let us know what you thought! (Feature coming soon!)