Help Us Pave The Way!
November 8, 2019
We are grateful for your support.
This past year the Town of Burke and Kingdom Trails came together to undertake a collaborative project to rehabilitate East Darling Hill Rd. We believe this endeavor will restore a main thoroughfare that our community members and visitors value, connecting downtown East Burke and Darling Ridge.
It is because of you, Kingdom Trails is a significant economic driver in the region. Trail users have brought with them economic opportunity and growth, but with that there are challenges around traffic and pedestrian safety. The project consists of the reconstruction, new subbase, drainage and asphalt, plus a 5 foot bike lane for uphill cyclists. Additionally, two parcels of land adjacent to the road will be purchased to secure Kitchel and Herb’s trail connection, ensuring that trail users will have an off-road option instead of using East Darling Hill Rd for both uphill and downhill bicycle travel, avoiding a dangerous conflict between cycle and car, increasing safety of our community and visitors, drivers and riders.
Together, the Town of Burke and Kingdom Trails were thrilled to be awarded a $438,426 Northern Border Regional Commission federal grant! Yet this was not the full amount needed to complete the $956,000 project. Our community still wishes to strive for the full scope of the project in order to assure safety. The Town of Burke has committed $300,000 and Kingdom Trails has put forth $153,000. After a generous donation of $10,000 from Casella Waste Systems and $5,000 from Community National Bank, funding is nearing completion with just $50,000 left to raise!
The Town of Burke and Kingdom Trails would be beyond thankful if you were to make a donation towards this necessary project. Not only would your contribution allow us to complete a successful project, but the impact you would have would be astounding.
We thank you in advance for your donation!
Abby Long & Christine Emmons
Kingdom Trails Executive Director & Town of Burke SelectBoard Chair
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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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