Explore the Turning Point Trail

Follow in the footsteps of charismatic General John Burgoyne, whose fateful decisions led to the turning point of the American Revolution. It’s a story of battles, ambushes, smoldering ambitions, disastrous miscommunication, fierce allegiance, true love, venomous snakes, and narrow escapes—all with courteous gentlemanly conduct.

The Turning Point Trail guides you through a storied landscape, illustrating the events that led up to the Battles of Saratoga, which many historians have called the “turning point of the American Revolution.” Britain’s goal was to control the interconnected waterway from Montreal to New York City, thereby isolating New England, the seedbed of the Revolution, from the rest of the continent. Follow in the footsteps of British General John Burgoyne, appropriately named “Gentleman Johnny” by his troops, through the stunning landscape between Canada and Albany.

This is no boring history lesson. It is a story about the land and the people who traveled through the New York wilderness in the summer and fall of 1777. At local landmarks, museums, and historic sites, you’ll discover that the landscape around you is full of gripping stories. By listening to the dramatic audio and reading the complimentary web content, today’s peaceful bays and abandoned forts will come alive with the sights and sounds of 1777.

You’ll be using 21^st-century navigational tools to travel into the 18^th century. The audio journey and supporting web material have been researched and written by Lakes to Locks Passage staff and reviewed by local experts and historians. The audio tour is intended for a general audience, but for those who want to dig deeper into the rich history, just look for the “Learn More” links to find first-person narratives and in-depth articles.

Travel Tools

It is suggested that at least two days be set aside for this trip. This will allow you time to stop and explore each site. We recommend traveling from Clinton Community College to Fort Ticonderoga on the first day, spending the night in Ticonderoga, and continuing to Saratoga the following day.

• Starting Point: Clinton Community College (136 Clinton Point Drive, Plattsburgh, NY 12901)
• Ending Point: Saratoga Surrender Site (133 Schuyler Street, Schuylerville, NY 12871)
• Total Stops: 32
• Total driving distance: 160 miles

Total Audio Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes