The walk is named after Inez Milholland, a legendary leader of the women’s suffrage movement, and is a way to honor the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Founded in 2009, CATS creates and maintains over 98 miles of hiking and walking trails, protects 992 acres of land, and hosts outdoor educational events in New York’s Champlain Valley. Located in the Champlain Valley of the Adirondack Mountains, the Mount Inez Trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The approximately 4-mile round-trip hike has 1,000 feet of elevation gain, reaching the summit at 1,598 feet.

“CATS is committed to connecting people with nature and honoring the history of this region,” Said the managing director of CATS. “Mount Inez is the perfect hiking trail to honor the legacy of the women’s suffrage movement and the women who dedicated their lives to the fight for equal rights.”

Milholland was a leading suffragette, activist and advocate who grew up at the foot of Mount Inez. By organizing marches and rallies, she was a key figure in strengthening the women’s suffrage movement in New York in the early 20th century. Tragically, she died at just 30 years old while on a speaking tour promoting women’s suffrage. CATS aims to raise awareness of her important role in the women’s suffrage movement by improving access to the trail named after her.

The hike up Mount Inez is free and open to all and is led by the volunteer group CATSWomen and CATS staff. If you are in the festive spirit, please consider wearing white as a symbol of the suffragette movement.

The hike begins at 9 a.m. at the trailhead off Lewis-Wadhams Road. Hikers are asked to park at the Meadowmount School of Music in Westport. For more information and to register, visit champlainareatrails.com.