Parks & Recreation

Ticonderoga Park Policy

Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park

The Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park, or Bicentennial Park, sits at the base of the last waterfall along La Chute River. The land was once occupied by the Ticonderoga Pulp & Paper Company and later the International Paper Company. International Paper Company donated the land to the Village of Ticonderoga and the park was dedicated in 1976. Percy Thompson, a former paper mill employee, had a vision for what this area would become following the relocation of the paper industry from this area and he was instrumental in seeing this vision come into reality.

Bicentennial Park is the center of many annual events in both summer and winter. It features the beautiful Bicentennial Falls, a leisurely walking path which begins the La Chute Walking Trail, a children’s playground, a gazebo for entertainment, a covered bridge, known as the Kissing Bridge, and many benches and picnic tables which allow residents and visitors to take in the beautiful and unique scenery. The park is a favorite for walkers who enjoy an early morning walk around the winding walking path.

PLEASE NOTE: Dogs are prohibited in the park. All vehicles are PROHIBITED in the park except for authorized vehicles and officially marked handicap vehicles. All others may park in the parking lot off from Tower Avenue or other town parking areas.

Carillon Park

Carillon Park (pronounced ka·ri·yon) is named for the fort of the same name, also known as Fort Ticonderoga. The park is located at the junction of Montcalm Street and River Road before the intersection of Routes 22 and 74. Dedicated in 1933 and restored in 2000, the park contains a number of monuments to commemorate the Carillon Bridge, park dedication, the Knox Trail, and Carillon Park Corner Garden. Benches, canon, and the flags of revolutionary era France may be found here. A pull off from Montcalm Street allows ample parking for guests.

Champlain Legacy Park

The Champlain Legacy Park, a four-acre area opposite Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga, is located on the north side of La Chute River, easily accessed through Bicentennial Park via the Kissing Bridge or from the north side entrance at Burgoyne Road. The park contains a walkway along many beautiful flowers, stone bench, the Liberty Pole, and the monument to Samuel de Champlain, the famous French soldier and explorer. There are also several stone pavers placed in memory of residents and famous events throughout the region’s history. Walk through the archway surrounded by flowers and pleasing shrubbery. A heavy metal park bench located on the north end of the Kissing Bridge provides a peaceful overlook of the Lower Falls and surrounding park lands.

Artillery Park

Artillery Park is located at the intersection of The Portage and Champlain Avenue. It was formerly known as Academy Park for the Ticonderoga Academy, Ticonderoga’s first High School, which once stood at the present location of the Ticonderoga Emergency Squad. This park is rich with historic monuments and information. The park features Heroes Rock, the Soldiers Monument (tribute to those who fought in America’s Civil War), Lord Howe’s grave marker, a historic sign, many beautiful trees, and park benches. Artillery Park commemorates the location where, in July, 1759, British forces under General Amherst erected an artillery battery to attack the French Fort at Carillon, which they seized and named Fort Ticonderoga.

Veteran’s Park

Veterans Park is located off Tower Avenue behind the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum near the top of the Lower Falls. The memorial honors Ticonderoga Area Veterans who served in the US Armed Forces in War and Peace. The main monument includes the names of veterans from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. This main monument includes flag with a stone walk approaching the site.

Recreational Park

The Ticonderoga Recreational Park features many amenities for residents and visitors alike. The park contains a Little League field with dugouts and bleachers, two tennis courts, a pickleball court, two (2) additional ball fields, and a walking path. The area is accessed via Canal Heights off from Burgoyne Road. Visitors can find a small parking lot near the Little League field. Additional parking may be found at the rear ball field and tennis courts. Enjoy tennis or pickleball or watch a ball game. The walking path provides a great way to get your exercise and the scenery is beautiful and unique.

Ticonderoga Dog Park

The Ticonderoga Dog Park comprises approximately 2-acres and is located on Lord Howe Street along La Chute River and near the base of the Upper Falls. The park provides a safe and fun setting where dogs can enjoy time off leash and get some valuable socialization time with other pets. The area is completely fenced to provide security from nearby automobile traffic. The dog park is a non-profit which relies on the help and assistance of patrons to keep it clean and functional.

La Chute River Walking Trail

La Chute River, formerly the Ticonderoga Creek, lies within the Town of Ticonderoga and connects the northern tip of Lake George to Lake Champlain through an approximate 3 mile run to the northeast. The river has a greater drop (approximately 220 feet) than that of Niagara Falls but over a longer distance. Over those 3 miles, water runs over several dams, through and over penstocks, and cascades over ledges and boulders, creating a unique scenic vista.

The walking trail follows along the river and is great for hiking, trail running, and walking, Beginning in Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga near the Lower Falls, the trail includes many interpretive signs in several locations which speak to the history of the river and the various industries which once harnessed the river’s energy to power their pulp, paper, sawmill, grist mill, and other industries. The trail continues from Tower Avenue, along Frazier Bridge near the old property of the Island Mill. This portion of the trail includes a tree lined path, benches and beautiful views of rapids. A small footbridge brings visitors to the old Richards Dam and waterfall. Visitors must then cross Montcalm Street and travel a short distance on Lake George Avenue where the trail then travels along a beautiful tree lined trail which becomes paved and passes the old “D” dam. The trail enters into a wide open, green space which once housed the Lake George Paper Company and the “B” mill. A new trail extension is planned to link this section of the trail to the upper trail portion. Until then, visitors can take a small detour to pick up the trail which then travels over the old railroad trestle over the outlet of Lake George and ends at Alexandria Avenue in yet another open green space at the former site of the “A” mill of the Lake George Paper Company.

Tin Pan Alley Boat Launch Area

In addition to boat access at State owned boat launch sites on Lake George (Mossy Point Boat Launch) and Lake Champlain (Fort Ticonderoga Boat Launch) and the canoe launch site at Black Point Beach, the Town of Ticonderoga also offers Lake George access for small non-motorized boats including canoes and kayaks. This site is located off Water Street and Tin Pan Alley in the former region of Alexandria and is the only town owned Lake George access within the Town of Ticonderoga. Parking is limited. Despite the appearance of private property, this area of Tin Pan Alley extending to the lake is Town owned property. Residents and visitors may freely use this access point to launch canoes and other small non-motorized craft. Patrons are asked to be mindful of nearby landowners in terms of encroachment. This is a carry in – carry out location so please keep this area clean.

Waterfall Tours

Ticonderoga is the perfect location for lovers of waterfalls. La Chute River falls over six (6) waterfalls on its journey from Lake George to Lake Champlain. Various industries used these waterfalls over the years ending with the papermaking industry. These falls include the Upper Falls near Alexandria Avenue and Lord Howe Street. This was the location of the old “A” and “B” mills of the paper company. The “A” dam employs and underground penstock to funnel water for the generation of power. The next waterfall along the river was the old “C” mill location. This dam was removed but water still cascades over some of the remaining stones. Following the “C” dam is the “D” dam which is still used today to generate power, but provides a beautiful view. The “E” dam is known as Richards Dam and provides a splendid view of a waterfall. Take a seat on the nearby bench and enjoy the scenery and sound of cascading water. The final dam is that of the “F” dam, or Bicentennial Fall (Lower Falls). This is the most picturesque of all the waterfalls and attracts visitors from all over the region. Enjoy a picnic lunch here or step to the platform railing and watch the water trickle or roar depending on the time of the year.