Getting Here the Green Way

Skip the car and make the journey part of the adventure. 

Take the Train: Amtrak’s scenic Adirondack line stops right in Washington County at Fort Edward (with another station in Whitehall). Not only do you get Hudson River and mountain views from your window, but you also shrink your carbon footprint. Amtrak is committed to environmentally friendly travel, so your train ride is as good for the planet as it is for your sense of adventure. Enjoy the relaxed pace and arrive car-free and stress-free!

Bring or Rent a Bike: For the active traveler, biking is a fantastic green option. The 750-mile Empire State Trail passes through Washington County via the Champlain Canalway Trail, running from Waterford to Whitehall. This means you can pedal into the county along historic canal paths, soaking in up-close views of charming towns and countryside.

Once here, biking between villages or on rural backroads is a joy. You’ll find cycle-friendly routes and even waterways alongside the trail where you can paddle part of the way if you fancy. However you arrive, getting around on two wheels or two feet is encouraged. 

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Washington County is tasting the local bounty.

Farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword here; It’s a way of life that’s good for you and the planet. Eating seasonal, locally-grown food means fewer “food miles” (the distance your food travels), which cuts down transportation emissions while delivering fresher flavor. Plus, buying from area farms or farmers markets invests in the community and supports the farmers who work so hard all year. In other words, your delicious meal or snack puts dollars back into local pockets and reduces your carbon footprint at the same time!

Farmers Markets & Farm-To-Table Treats: All summer long, you can browse outdoor farmers markets in nearly every town: from the Canal Street Marketplace in Fort Edward to markets in Cambridge, Granville, and more. Grab juicy tomatoes, grass-fed meats, maple treats, or even beeswax soaps and goat-milk lotions from friendly vendors. These markets often feature live music and family activities, making them a fun outing as well. And remember: shopping local means tasting the difference. There’s nothing like biting into a chunk of fresh Washington County cheese or a freshly-picked apple, especially when you can name the farm (or farmer) you got it from!

When it’s time for a sit-down meal, don’t miss an authentic on-the-farm dinner, like those at Dancing Ewe Farm. Other Washington County cafés and restaurants feature specials made with veggies from the farm down the road or artisan cheese from the next town over.

And for a quirky healthy adventure, try “U-pick” farms: At places like Gardenworks Farm in Salem, you can even “pick your own healthcare” by harvesting berries and veggies for a farm-fresh feast. It’s tasty, fun, and educational for the kids!

Outdoor lovers, rejoice! Washington County’s natural playground awaits with low-impact, high-fun activities. Your entertainment comes powered by paddles, pedals, and Mother Nature, not motors.

Tubing & Kayaking: A must-do is floating down the Battenkill River, a gentle, winding river famous for its clear water and scenic beauty. On a hot summer day, grab an inner tube or kayak (local outfitters like Battenkill Valley Outdoors in Cambridge can set you up) and let the current carry you through lush greenery and covered bridges. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks! You might spot herons, turtles, or even trout swimming below. With no engines required, it’s just you, the river, and the soundtrack of nature.

Hiking & Picnicking: Washington County offers hikes for every ability, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain treks. Stroll through wildflower meadows in the new Cambridge Community Forest or tackle a bigger climb like Black Mountain in the Lake George Wild Forest. At 2,640 feet, Black Mountain is the tallest peak on Lake George’s east side and rewards hikers with spectacular lake-and-mountain vistas. Many trails here are uncrowded, immersing you in the peaceful sounds of nature. Pack a picnic with your farmers market goodies and enjoy lunch with a view at a summit or by a waterfall.

If you prefer a more structured picnic spot, head to a local park. Lake Lauderdale Park in Jackson, for example, has a lovely picnic area right by the water (plus a swim beach and nature trails). Spread out a blanket, sample that local cheese and bread, and breathe in the fresh country air. With canoes and kayaks allowed on the park’s lake, you can even go for a paddle after your meal. For a sunset treat, visit a spot like Huletts Landing on Lake George or one of the region’s quiet country lanes. The skies here are wide and on clear nights; you might see a blanket of stars like never before!

After a day of exploration, rest easy knowing your accommodations are as eco-minded as you are. Washington County has unique, green places to stay that let you sleep under the stars, wake up on the farm, or even camp on an island! Here are a few options:

• Slateville Farm Secluded Camps: Slateville Farm offers six extremely private campsites hidden across 350 acres of bucolic farmland. Once a historic slate quarry farm, it now features spring-fed quarry pools for wild swimming, miles of trails, and a weekend farm stand selling seasonal produce and eggs. You can pitch a tent beneath the pines, shower in an outdoor hot shower, and spend your evenings around the campfire stargazing. It’s rustic, peaceful, and perfect for reconnecting with nature. 
• Andelyn Farm – If you love the idea of camping but not roughing it, try Andelyn Farm in Granville. This 100-acre working farm combines luxury and sustainability, offering tenting sites but also more plush yurt glamping. The farm’s thoughtful touches, from hand-carved rocking chairs to solar lighting, make for a comfortable stay that still lets you commune with the outdoors. Spend your day walking their wildflower meadows, paddling in a clear mountain stream, or fishing in the on-site pond.
• Lake George Island Campsites – For a truly off-the-grid adventure, reserve a campsite on Lake George’s boat-access-only islands. Just off the coast of Washington County, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation manages dozens of island campsites on Lake George. You’ll need a canoe, kayak, or motorboat to reach them, but once you’re there, you have your own little piece of paradise. Imagine camping on a wooded island with just a tent and a campfire, water lapping at the shore, and the calls of loons at dusk. It’s primitive camping (no electricity or frills), yet an unforgettable experience for adventurous souls. And because it’s state-managed, the impact is minimized and sites are well-maintained.

Of course, there are other eco-friendly stays too: farm B&Bs, cabin rentals, and off-grid HipCamp listings dot the county. Wherever you stay, you’ll experience the rural charm and hospitality Washington County is known for. Just be sure to carry out all your trash and follow “Leave No Trace” principles to keep these places pristine.

Finally, one of the best ways to experience Washington County sustainably is to immerse yourself in the local scene. This region has a rich agricultural heritage and a vibrant community of artisans and producers. Plan your visit around one of the county’s themed “trails.” No, not hiking trails, but self-guided tours linking farms, markets, and studios. It’s like a scavenger hunt of local goodness, and it directly supports small businesses. For example:

• Cheese Trail: Love cheese? This driving tour maps out farmsteads and creameries crafting amazing artisan cheeses. Washington County is home to many cheesemakers, from aged cheddars to soft goat cheeses, thanks to its dairy legacy. Stop by spots like Argyle Cheese Farmer (try their squeaky-fresh cheese curds and yogurts!) or consider timing your visit with the annual County Bounty event in fall, when multiple farms open for samples and tours. Tasting local cheese at the source is a delight for all ages.
  
• Craft Beverage Trail: If you fancy a drink, the craft beverage trail will be your jam. The county’s landscape provides an inspiring backdrop for farm-to-glass breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries. Think estate wineries, farm breweries using local hops, and cideries pressing heritage apples. With each sip, you’re supporting an entire chain of local growers and makers. Many producers here are small and family-run, and you’ll often find their beverages on tap at nearby restaurants. Biking between tasting rooms on country roads is a great way to explore responsibly, just be safe and plan visits over multiple days. 
• Fiber Trail: Here’s a trail you might not expect: a journey into the world of wool, yarn, and adorable fiber animals. Washington County has dozens of small fiber farms raising sheep, alpacas, goats, bunnies (angoras), and even llamas for their fleece. The Fiber Trail invites you to visit these farms and see sustainable textile production first-hand, from pastures to knitting needles. You can meet the friendly alpacas and sheep (great for kids), watch demos of spinning, weaving, or shearing, and shop for handspun yarns and cozy wool products right from the source. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate eco-friendly garment materials and rural life. If you visit in spring, don’t miss the annual Washington County Fiber Tour when many farms host open houses with special events.

These are just a few of the trails – there are others like U-Pick Trail (pick-your-own orchards and farms) and even an Ice Cream Trail for the ultimate farm-fresh scoops. By following any of them, you’ll drive (or bike) along scenic backroads, discover hidden gems, and engage with the locals who are passionate about what they do. It’s sightseeing with a purpose, and you’ll come away with authentic products and stories to treasure.

In Washington County, “sustainable travel” is an enjoyable way to experience this beautiful place. You’ll slow down and take the scenic route, savor foods at their peak flavor, play outside in wild and wonderful places, and connect with the people who make the community special. All the while, you’re treading lightly on the environment and supporting a local economy built on farms, nature, and small-town charm. 

So pack your reusable water bottle, sense of adventure, and maybe a pair of binoculars for birdwatching, and explore Washington County the green way.