The Peru Gazette

Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates new bridge and viewing platform made possible through community partnerships

ESSEX, NY — October 7, 2026 — Champlain Area Trails (CATS) will celebrate the completion of the new Black Kettle Bridge by the Adirondack 46ers with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, at 3:30 p.m.

The beautifully constructed bridge and viewing platform gives hikers a new way to experience a special riparian landscape within the Champlain Valley. Spanning the creek and wetlands, the bridge provides an easy and welcoming destination for people of all ages and hiking abilities, while offering an opportunity to pause and take in the surrounding landscape.

The area is home to an active beaver population and a diverse community of songbirds. Although the creek is currently dry following a prolonged lack of rain, the landscape transforms into a lush, vibrant wetland environment in wetter seasons.

“This bridge creates a wonderful opportunity for people to slow down, observe nature, and experience a landscape that many hikers might otherwise pass right by,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of Champlain Area Trails. “It is also a great example of what can happen when landowners, donors, volunteers, and conservation organizations come together to create meaningful public access to special places.”

The ribbon cutting will also recognize the many partners whose contributions made the project possible.

CATS extends its deep gratitude to the donor whose generosity provided the funding for the bridge, to the Eddy Foundation for allowing CATS to construct the bridge within one of its preserves, and to the ADK 46ers, who spearheaded the effort and whose volunteers contributed hours of labor to help bring the project to completion.

The 46ers will place a plaque on the bridge honoring the donor, the Eddy Foundation, and Champlain Area Trails during the ceremony.

Getting to the Ceremony

Participants should park at the Black Kettle Trail trailhead on Cook Road in Essex and walk the approximately one-mile loop trail to reach the bridge. The new bridge is located roughly halfway around the loop.

Because participants will be walking on uneven terrain to reach the ceremony, attendees are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for trail conditions.

The Black Kettle Bridge represents CATS’ commitment to creating trails and public access that connect people with nature while protecting the lands and habitats that make the Champlain Valley special.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Black Kettle Bridge
Park at the Black Kettle Trail trailhead on Cook Road in Essex and follow the one-mile loop to the bridge.

Members of the public, community partners, volunteers, and supporters are invited to attend the ceremony and experience the new bridge and viewing platform.

For more information, visit Champlain Area Trails.