I really love hiking nature trails but this trail is more of a path… in fact, its called the Shore Path. The two words that I would use to sum this “avenue of much to experience” is “People” Path. The path is self entertaining! I chose to focus on the actual path and how it changes as it strolls through the properties of people. A guide might focus on the homes around the lake but I thought it was even more interesting to take a look at where my feet were plotting underneath me to where was this trail taking me.

All of the people who have homes around the lake keep the path clear so that others may roam around the entire lake! … With that said, there has been a bit of mystique as to the actual mileage that circumnavigates the lake. I’ve heard it said that the lake path is 19 miles around and I’ve heard that the lake path is a full marathon (26.2 miles) around. Mind you, schlepping  any of these distances is a nice accomplishment for a day’s trek. Dang it though, if you’re going to accomplish a feat via feet, you certainly want to know the distance covered. (Some people even wear Lake Geneva t shirts with bragging rights) Well, the mystery is no more - GPS’d the Geneva lake shore path route twice. You can even download my Lake Geneva Shore path trail guide.

The first day I launched my Everytrail and  iPhone apps. Everytrail merrily tracked the entire lake and clocked me in at a healthy 21.1 miles. Runmeter stopped somewhere along the way.

To ensure accuracy,  I wanted to get a double GPS reading, so two days later I leap frogged the lake path with a friend. With the Runmeter logging the miles, we passed my iphone on as if it were a baton.

The Runmeter clocked me in just about even with the Everytrail’s count of two days before. Runmeter said 21.02 and Everytrail 21.1 but the slight difference could be possible due to various ways that I may have traversed the trail.

21 miles of the Lake Shore Path is laid out with stone, rocks, bricks, dirt, cement, mud, boards, and more ….

Some of the people get more creative with their section of footpath than they do with their own houses! I find it interesting to see what home owners do to welcome the hiker that ambles through to enjoy the lake on one side and the view of the home on the other side. The homes are incredibly varied too but you will need to get on to the path and experience THAT for yourself!

How do I get there? … There are many places to access the Lake Geneva Shore Path. The best places are in the major towns around the lake. Park near the Riviera in Lake Geneva and access the lake path right there. In Williams Bay the shore path is accessed the same way. Park in a space on the street and straight ahead is the path. In Fontana park on a side street and head down to the lake to catch the path. Williams Bay is the spot to start with no parking meters!

The Trail is easy to navigate and is fairly level throughout. The difficulty is in the distance.

Wear good hiking or running shoes. Flip flops are not recommended. Bring water with you. There are places to get water in the three towns and a few water fountains along the way as well but the section between Fontana and Lake Geneva is over 8 miles and water is a bit iffy.

The trail is enjoyed in all seasons, though winter may be icy and snow covered.

If this little story has you chomping at the bit to take on the challenge of hiking the Lake Geneva Shore Path and other trails, go for it! ;