Knight Point on North Hero IslaKnight Point on North Hero Island opened as a state park in 1978, but its history goes back much further. John Knight, the point’s first resident, began ferry service between the islands in 1785. His family operated a ferry until the first bridge opened in 1892. Expansive lawns are the center of this 54-acre day use park. The lawn becomes meadow west of the developed area, where the forest along the lakeside is a substantial natural feature. Besides stands of mature, windswept oak and maple on the point, hickory and hop hornbeam are found further inland. Tight clusters of cedar trees enhance the beauty and wildlife cover of the area. The cobbled shoreline, west of the swimming beach and extending around the point, is a State Natural Area. It’s the largest undisturbed example of this type of natural community on Lake Champlain, and is home to an unusually diverse group of rare plant species. A walking trail loops around the point to offer scenic lake and shore vistas, plus intimate opportunities for close-up nature and forest viewing. A connecting path cuts through the meadow for those wishing to shorten the walk. Both trails are wide and easy to follow.