top of page
Fishing

Recreation & Tourism

Explore all the wonderful outdoor adventures Willsboro has to offer!

Willsboro is a wonderful place to visit, explore, and enjoy the beauty of the Adirondack Coast and Lake Champlain. From outdoor recreation and local events to short-term rentals and places to explore, there is something here for everyone.

​

This page is currently being updated and expanded to better highlight the many recreational opportunities and tourism resources our community offers. Please check back soon for more information.

Lake
Hiking

The Gateway Trail System
The Entrance to Essex County's Pioneer Settlement
(Willsboro, Lake Champlain, & Champlain Area Trails)

Beginning at the Gateway Park located on NYS Route 22 overlooking the Boquet River and Willsboro Falls, the trail takes travelers down to the Boquet River front via Mill Lane, connects to Gilliland Lane via the Main Street Bridge and follows a meandering trail through the Gilliland Park and Willsboro Preserve (owned by the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy). This path take visitors past several historic sites, as well as tremendous fishing access-ways. It tells the story of how and why Willsboro came to be the first place of settlement in Essex County. This trail system connects individuals to the regional Champlain Area Trails system and the Lakes to Lockes Blueway Trail. The Town has developed official and unofficial partnerships with all of the above stated organizations and several private land owners to make this significant tourism piece come to fruition.

Historically, this trail travels along the geographic areas upon which the Town's settlement (William Gilliland (1765)), and two significant military events took place (the Burgoyne Proclamation & Encampment (June 20th, 1777) and the Battle of the Boquet (1812)). The Town is seeking to promote this significant historical area, while simultaneously protecting it by way of creating a non-intrusive educational trail.

With a rich outdoor recreation history, the Town is continuing to embellish upon this extremely valuable component of the community's economy.

Other significant recreation hot spots include:

Heritage Preservation

Museums & Libraries:
Willsboro Heritage Center
* The Paine Memorial Library
* (Cornell Farms)
1812 Homestead 

​

National Historical Register Sites:
* The Adsit Cabin
* Aiken, Abrahams House
Edgewater Farm
* Flat Rock Camp
* Sheldon-Owens Farm
* Willsboro Congregational Church
Willsboro Central School (1902)

Willsboro-NY.jpg
Kids Blowing Bubbles

Youth Commission 

The Willsboro Youth Commission supports programs and initiatives that promote positive opportunities for youth in the community. The commission works to encourage activities that foster recreation, teamwork, leadership, and community engagement for young residents.

​

Through volunteer leadership and collaboration with community members, the Youth Commission helps support efforts that enrich the experiences of Willsboro’s youth.

​

Additional information about the commission and opportunities to get involved will be shared here as it becomes available.

​

Check the Willsboro Youth Commission

Facebook page for regular updates: 

  • Facebook
bottom of page