8/11/26 Community Chat
Recap of the 8/11/26 KT Community Chat at the East Haven Community Building
On August 11, Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain hosted a joint Community Chat at the East Haven Community Building. Approximately 15 people attended, including KT landowners, local business owners and community members, as well as out-of-state KT members.
Representing Burke Mountain was Summer Operations Director Alex McAndrew. Kingdom Trails was represented by Executive Director Georgia Gould, Operations Manager Roberta Gillott, and Office Manager Ilan Weitzen.
Burke Mountain Updates
Alex provided an update on Burke Mountain’s current summer operations and longer-term planning. This season’s focus has been on adding trails that are accessible to beginner riders, with the broader goal of improving connectivity between Burke Mountain and the Kingdom Trails network.
Burke Mountain is currently developing a master plan with trail-building firm Gravity Logic that is expected to include a significant amount of new trail development. Beginner terrain will remain a priority through this season and into the spring.
An attendee asked whether the new beginner trails would also be accessible to adaptive riders. Alex confirmed that they would.
Another attendee asked whether Burke Mountain has plans to incorporate the upper mountain/summit lift into its summer operations. Alex said there are currently no plans to do so. Opening the upper mountain would require the construction of additional intermediate terrain, which would be particularly difficult and expensive given the rocky landscape. He also noted the ecological considerations and additional permitting complexities associated with development at higher elevations.
Alex and Georgia both recognized the impressive work of the Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails trail crews following the July 9th storm, noting how quickly both crews were able to get trails back into excellent condition.
Georgia then spoke about the strength of the partnership and ongoing communication between Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain.
Trail Development and Connectivity
During a broader discussion about trail development, one attendee expressed hope that KT would continue to preserve traditional, hand-built trails rather than moving toward a network dominated by machine-built trails. Georgia explained that several recent projects - particularly connections between different riding zones - have been intended to make the network more accessible and easier to navigate while maintaining the diversity that has long been one of its strengths. She emphasized that connectivity has been a major focus for KT this year and that the network's variety of riding experiences remains important.
Alex also discussed the work of the Trail Advisory Committee (TAC), which reviewed trail classifications and worked to standardize ratings throughout the network. He noted that the availability and consistency of intermediate terrain is one reason families travel significant distances to ride here. He also highlighted the diversity of perspectives represented on the TAC, which includes mountain bikers, Nordic skiers, and other members of the community.
Wilder Way and Regional Connections
Georgia provided an update on Wilder Way, where two bridges are currently out. Replacing them will require stream alteration permits. A state engineer has visited the site to assess the situation, and a formal engineering study is now underway.
Another attendee asked about the possibility of restoring a trail connection with Lyndonville. Georgia explained that the former connection relied on a VAST bridge that was damaged by flooding and that rebuilding a bridge at the same location is not considered a practical solution.
Georgia has since met with a stream engineer and the owners of The Wildflower Inn to explore potential alternatives for crossing the Passumpsic River. The engineer identified an area adjacent to the railroad bridge as the most feasible location from an engineering standpoint. However, the anticipated scope and complexity of constructing a crossing there would make the project prohibitively difficult at this time.
Transportation, Education, and Rider Resources
One attendee asked whether KT might bring back the shuttle service that operated in the past. Georgia explained that the previous service had been supported by an RCT grant with specific ridership requirements, making a return of that program impractical under the same model.
Another attendee recalled some of KT’s older, humorous educational videos addressing topics such as trail etiquette and riding single file and suggested revisiting that type of content. The idea led to a broader conversation about rider education and helping visitors better understand how to navigate the area.
Alex suggested that a video series of ride guides could be a useful resource, showing riders how to navigate different parts of the network and the surrounding area.
An attendee also suggested that KT do more to promote gravel riding and provide better resources for gravel riders interested in visiting the region.
Supporting the East Burke Fire Brigade
The conversation also touched on the important role of the East Burke Fire Brigade and the need to support its work. Alex and Georgia discussed the importance of identifying ways to help generate additional funding for the department. Alex suggested that a community event modeled after a “Touch-a-Truck” fundraiser could be one possible way to bring people together while raising money for the Fire Brigade.
Continuing the Conversation
These community chats are informal, monthly gatherings designed to encourage open conversation and foster transparent communication between Kingdom Trails and the local community. The feedback and perspectives shared by participants help inform KT’s ongoing work, priorities, and programming.
