Trail Network to Remain Open for Youth/Novice Hunting Weekend
October 14, 2021
Sharing the Outdoors
With the guidance of the Landowner Advisory Committee, KTA has made the decision to remain open this year for Youth/ Novice Hunting weekend, October 23-24. The trail network will close for the season on October 31st.
Last month, the KTA Landowner Advisory Committee held an in-depth and deliberative meeting to discuss the potential closure of trails during youth/novice hunting weekend. Local game Warden, Cody Jackman, was available to share and answer questions. We learned that in Vermont, written permission must be sought from the Landowner by the youth or novice hunter to participate in that weekend and they must be accompanied by an unarmed adult with a valid hunting license. According to Nicole Meier with Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s hunter education program, “People enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways and as long as everyone treats each other with respect, there are rarely conflicts. With a little planning, hunters and other outdoor recreationists can both safely and courteously enjoy their pursuits and share the woods without any issues,” said Meier. “Everyone should feel welcome in the woods at any time of year,”
If you are planning to hit the trails during the weekend of October 23-24, with respect for the shared use, we encourage you to:
- Wear bright colors
- Plan outings closer to the middle of the day when the lighting is best.
- Favor high-use public areas or trails.
As we head in to the hunting season, consider purchasing one of our locally designed and printed custom blaze orange "Share the Outdoors" jerseys from our online store. Not only will the keep you visible but all KT store purchases contribute to achieving the mission of the Kingdom Trail Association.
More info on youth hunting weekend and sharing the outdoors can be found on the state's Fish & Wildlife youth hunting page, and VT’s Fish & Wildlife page on sharing the outdoors.
We appreciate your support.
Please email info@kindomtrails.org with any questions.
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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October 18th, 2025 from 7-10 PM
