Day 50 September 11, 2026 Rutland Vermont to Ticonderoga New York 48 miles
Today is mostly sunny with a gentle breeze. Seems like a good day to tour Fort Ticonderoga.
The fort is only about 40 miles from Rutland. Still narrow winding hills. The drive is really pretty even if the colors haven’t changed much. Small towns and small farms dominate. Occasionally a field of corn.
Just before the entrance to the fort we came to a ferry. That was the only way to cross the La Chute River. The ferry is small so it will hold at most 18 cars. The other thing to note is you must pay on the ferry in cash. Exact change preferred. The ride is about 7 minutes long. The total charge for our ride was $18.
The entrance to the Fort Ticonderoga grounds is a short distance from the ferry exit. We were charged the senior rate of $28 each. This does allow entrance for two days and the entrance to the drive up Mount Defiance.
Most of the fort was reconstructed beginning in 1908. It looks very much like it did during the time of its major use (1755-1777). It played key roles during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. They have lots of canons surrounding the perimeter. The museum houses artifacts found in the area as well as those donated by individuals. We arrived just in time to join the morning guided tour of the museum. Our guide added lots of information about many of the items in the small museum. The only down side was that his voice didn’t carry well. They also have demonstrations and reenactments going on all the time. The reenactments follow journals left by people who served here. Many of the canons played key roles during the Revolutionary War as many were transported to Boston to help protect it. They were transported back later.
We ate lunch at the restaurant in the Visitors Center. It’s not very big but was convenient. They will also make picnic lunches to take with you.
We left the fort grounds to go to Mount Defiance. The journey is about 3 miles. Just as we were leaving the grounds the car made a terrible noise. Rob kept driving even though he has no idea what the sound was. We pulled over in a turnout a short distance down the road so he could think. He checked a few things. Nothing came to mind so we continued to the entrance to drive up the mountain. Connie felt we should turn around but Rob wanted to give it a try. The road is a little more than a one lane so cars can go each direction if they go slowly and carefully. Some of the stretches are rather steep since you can’t get a running start. Some sharp turns but no hairpin turns. The car made it without help thank goodness. After you get there a rather steep walk takes you to the viewing area. The views from the top are beautiful. The fort from there looks very small.
Back down seemed a little easier. Still steep so the brakes got a workout. Since it was after 3:00 we got a hotel and quit for the day.
Spoffords Travel 