Kingdom Trails Works With Area Partners to Expand Mountain Biking Opportunities for aMTB Riders!

August 31, 2022

Hey KT Community!

You might have noticed a new feature on the Trail Map for 2022! Some trails now have the new *aMTB symbol, indicating these have been identified as adaptive mountain bike accessible. Kingdom Trails offers over 53 miles of aMTB accessible trails on the KT network and is proud to partner and collaborate with Adaptive Sports Partners North Country (ASPNC) to provide recreational and programming opportunities to all aMTB riders!

ASPNC Executive Director, Kelly Starr, states that, “This partnership supports programmatic expansion that will allow community members increased access to the beautiful landscapes in which they live. We are eager to build on the work Kingdom Trails has begun in terms of trail accessibility as well as to serve as a resource for athletes with disabilities looking to mountain bike at Kingdom Trails. We have been riding the trails all summer with our athletes, meeting with KT’s staff regularly and having a blast doing it!”

These trails have been ridden and approved by aMTB users and meet the criteria of aMTB friendly trail standards! You can read those standards here. We highly encourage all adaptive users to be accompanied by a support rider while using the network. Trail difficulty ratings are not aMTB specific, yet in some cases aMTB trails have been marked as the easier route. Please remember to follow eMTB policies if you have an e-bike assist. Please note that all bathroom locations (except the Inn at Mountain View parking area) have handicap accessible port-a-lets.

KT owes many thanks to organizations like ASPNC, The Kelly Brush Foundation, and Vermont Adaptive for all the work they've done to incorporate aMTB accessible trails and routes on the KT network! We are grateful for the guidance and support as we seek to increase access and opportunity to mountain biking for athletes with disabilities.

Lukas Ray, Community Outreach & Partnership Director at Kingdom Trails reflects: “The partnership with Adaptive Sports Partners supports Kingdom Trail’s mission to provide recreational opportunities for any and all who wish to utilize our trail network. We’ve been able to establish over 50 miles of adaptive trails, with help from the Kelly Brush Foundation and Vermont Adaptive. Now with ASPNC’s help, KT hopes more trails will become aMTB accessible! Many diverse groups ride at Kingdom Trails, and we are proud of the programs that

will allow more aMTB riders to participate!

For more information visit the KT aMTB page: https://www.kingdomtrails.org/aMTBTrails

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Bear Den Partners, Owners of Burke Mountain, Make Unprecedented $100,000 Gift to Kingdom Trails, Securing Northeast Kingdom’s Recreational Future

By Jodi Flanagan • October 27, 2025

EAST BURKE, VT – October 27, 2025 – Kingdom Trails, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of recreational trails in the Northeast Kingdom, today announced it has received a monumental gift of $100,000 from Bear Den Partners, the owners of Burke Mountain, and Kingdom Trails’ single largest private landowner. This unprecedented corporate donation is the largest in Kingdom Trails’ history and signifies a powerful commitment to the economic vitality and future of recreation in the Northeast Kingdom. The $100,000 investment comes as both organizations continue to expand their collaborative efforts to enhance outdoor tourism and provide world-class experiences for visitors and local community members alike. This funding will be immediately directed toward critical trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable trail development projects across the network, allowing Kingdom Trails to build important new connections and keep the trails in top shape. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and vision demonstrated by the leadership at Burke Mountain,” said Georgia Gould, Interim Executive Director of Kingdom Trails. “This is more than just a donation; it’s an unprecedented investment in the future health of our trails, our organization, and the entire Northeast Kingdom community. This investment ensures we can not only maintain the current quality of the Kingdom Trails experience but also pursue long-term sustainability and innovative projects.” The gift came during an evening of music and celebration of Kingdom Trails’ Landowners hosted by Bear Den Partners at the Burke Mountain Hotel. The event brought together the landowners, community members, and friends who make Kingdom Trails possible. The evening featured a powerful joint performance by national touring artists Adam Gardner of Guster and Stephen Kellogg, whose music captured the warmth, connection, and spirit that define the Northeast Kingdom. The relationship between Burke Mountain and Kingdom Trails has been instrumental in positioning the region as a premier mountain biking and outdoor destination. Burke Mountain’s contribution emphasizes a shared goal of drawing visitors to the region while ensuring responsible stewardship of the natural resources. “Burke Mountain is a proud neighbor and partner to Kingdom Trails,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Bear Den Partners. “We understand that the trails are a critical driver of our local economy and an important amenity for our guests. Making this $100,000 commitment was a clear decision—it ensures the longevity of this incredible network and helps secure the Northeast Kingdom’s reputation as a top-tier outdoor destination for generations to come.” The organizations encourage the public and corporate partners to view this as an inspiration for collective responsibility in protecting and preserving the trails that define Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom experience. Kingdom Trails extends its sincere gratitude to Bear Den Partners for their integral support of this investment and their dedication to the future of the trails. About Kingdom Trails Kingdom Trails is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of a 100+ mile network of non-motorized multi-use trails in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Utilizing a land-use agreement model with 106 private landowners, Kingdom Trails provides recreational access that promotes healthy lifestyles, economic vitality, and sustainable use of resources. About Burke Mountain Located in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Resort is an independent, four-season destination owned by Bear Den Partners. Burke delivers 178 acres of world-class skiing and riding in the winter, and lift-served mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Burke’s bike park is adjacent to the world-renowned Kingdom Trails network, a mecca for mountain bikers. Year-round, Burke and the Burke Mountain Hotel host events and activities that reflect the culture and community of Vermont: down-to-earth, uncorporate and driven by the spirit of the mountain and the people who ride it. For more information, visit SkiBurke.com or follow on all major social platforms including Instagram , Facebook and YouTube .