Skiers enjoy early season skiing on Champlain Area Trails’ Viall’s Crossing. (Photo provided)

On Saturday, Dec. 29, Champlain Area Trails will celebrate the opening of two new trails in Westport.

CATS said in a press release that Viall’s Crossing trail has become increasingly popular, and the group has added two new loops to the property. The new trail opening is free and open to the public, and each trail can be walked, skied or snowshoed.

The first new loop is named after a former owner of the property who resisted loggers’ attempts to harvest large white oaks. Harold’s Oak Grove Trail now goes through the stand of oak trees. The second loop is named John Brown’s Trail as the famous abolitionist was friends with Harold’s great-grandfather and would stay at the farm when Brown was in Westport.

The hike is 2.5 miles and should take about an hour and a half. People should park at the trailhead on Route 22 about halfway between Westport and Wadhams. The trails are located on a private 130-acre property that is protected under conservation easement.

The rain date is Sunday, Dec. 30, and people should check the CATS website or Facebook page is rain is forecast. For more information, go to www.champlainareatrails.com.