eMTB Policy Review
May 26, 2021
We believe community members, trail users, and most importantly our landowners should be engaged in this decision. The KT Team began with a preliminary discussion with our Board of Directors regarding a proper decision making process. This process was then presented to the Landowner Advisory Committee. Their response was positive, and they were pleased that KT Landowners will be involved and the policy shaped by their feedback. Kingdom Trails has invited all of the KT Landowners to a forum in early June.
As cycling technology and trail utilization trends evolve, we believe it is imperative that KT periodically review and consider policy changes. eMTBs are a prime example. Currently Kingdom Trails’ eMTB policy is stated as “KT does not allow e-bikes on our trail network” as we honor the no motorized vehicle agreement we have made with our Landowners. Please know this continues to be our policy throughout this process.
We understand there are a number of pros and cons that need to be weighed. On the one hand, allowing eMTBs could broaden access for those with physical limitations due to age, illness and disability, supporting our commitment to equity and inclusion. Increased patronage could also directly benefit our community and the region. On the other hand, concerns could arise regarding faster speeds, user conflicts, injuries and liability, land impacts, and overcrowding. We will need to educate ourselves on the different classes of eMTBs, review the decisions and policies of other trail networks, consult organizations such as IMBA, NEMBA, and VMBA, and explore both federal and state policies, along with the detail of our own conservation easements with the Vermont Land Trust and Vermont Housing Conservation Board. However, above all, gauging our landowners' comfortability with eMTBs on their land will be a priority.
We encourage all to share their thoughts and opinions by emailing eMTB@kingdomtrails.org. Your feedback is welcomed and we thank you in advance for participating in this deliberative process with civility, and we especially encourage experience based input. Again, we ask that you email with your feedback, therefore we are turning off our social media comments on this topic as the goal is to receive constructive input directly from our stakeholders for thoughtful consideration and we do not wish to host a platform for negative interactions between people. We anticipate this review and policy update will conclude within the middle of this summer season.
Please remember, regardless of whether or not Kingdom Trails amends our policy, we understand education will be a key component to maintaining respect for our private landowners and encouraging all to Ride with Gratitude.
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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