Beloved Trails in Northeast Kingdom Secured
December 21, 2020
Land on Darling Ridge to Remain Open for Mountain Biking, Hiking, Skiing, and More.
Seven miles of trails in the heart of the popular Kingdom Trails network have been secured after a major community effort, the Vermont Land Trust and Kingdom Trail Association announced. The Kingdom Trail Association today acquired 271 acres on Darling Hill Road, and conserved the land to ensure it remains undeveloped and open to the public in the future.
Stretching from Darling Hill Road to the East Branch of the Passumpsic River, the land has sweeping views of Burke Mountain and includes trails leading to Heaven’s Bench, a favorite rest stop in the 100-mile trail network. When a key parcel here went up for sale in 2019, the future of these beloved trails, and surrounding scenic meadows and forest was at risk.
The Kingdom Trail Association and Vermont Land Trust came together to save the land for the community and visitors, with funding from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, an anonymous gift of $150,000, and contributions from over 740 local businesses and community members.
Hailed as one of the best trail networks in North America, Kingdom Trails receives as many as 135,000 annual visits by mountain bikers, Nordic skiers, trail runners and snowshoers. A 2016 Vermont Trails and Greenway Council study found that the network generates more than $10M a year in economic activity for the region.
“Vermont is extremely fortunate to have recreation destinations like Kingdom Trails. When we work together to secure their future, we’re helping our rural communities and economies thrive,” said VLT President and CEO, Nick Richardson. “It’s been thrilling to see Vermont’s landscape appreciated, expressed in a groundswell of support from the local community and as far as Montreal and the Boston area.”
The campaign to save land on Darling Ridge received support from businesses and community partners, including the Burke Bike Barn, Langlais Family Tree Farm, East Burke Market, several chapters of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Brewster River Mountain Bike Club, Inc., Libby’s Meat Market, Passumpsic National Bank, Kingdom Coffee Roasters, Crosstown Motors, Century 21 Farm and Forest, Community National Bank and the Passumpsic Valley Land Trust.
“Through cooperation and dedication, Kingdom Trails has gone from a grassroots project to a nationally recognized treasure,” said Chris Hibshman, owner of the Village Sport Shop Trailside, located on Darling Hill Road. “This effort to protect trails and the beautiful and iconic ridgeline of Darling Hill is vital to ensure the future for the Kingdom Trail network and its surrounding community.”
The newly conserved Darling Ridge property consists of 40 acres purchased from long-time owners Martha Corrock and Finn Gunderson and 231 acres previously owned by Ariel Quiros. It has scenic and productive farmland, as well as healthy forests, streams, and wetlands that provide wildlife habitat and contribute to water quality and carbon sequestration. The conservation easement held by the Vermont Land Trust and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board will ensure the land will remain undeveloped and available for public recreation as well as farming, forestry, and educational activities.
“We are so grateful to all who have helped us to purchase this spectacular land on Darling Hill and to join the 100 other landowners who make Kingdom Trails possible,” said Abby Long, executive director of the Kingdom Trail Association. “Owning this land allows us to sustain the trails on one of the most visible and visited areas of the network, and also be a steward of the river, forests, and farmland which are vital to the future health of the Northeast Kingdom.”
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 .
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