KT in the Community
Kingdom Trails has always been about more than trails
Our network exists within a community of landowners, residents, businesses, volunteers, and visitors whose support makes everything we do possible.
For Kingdom Trails, stewardship means caring not only for the physical trail network but also for the relationships and communities that surround it. We work to ensure that recreation remains a positive part of life in the Northeast Kingdom—creating opportunities for people to get outside while respecting the people, places, and natural resources that make those experiences possible.
Stewardship through gratitude
Unlike many trail systems, most of the Kingdom Trails network crosses privately owned property. Riders may pass through forests, farms, fields, and areas close to homes and working lands—all because individual landowners have voluntarily chosen to welcome recreational access.
That extraordinary relationship is at the foundation of KTA and shapes how we approach everything from trail development and visitor education to parking, events, and day-to-day operations.
Our Ride With Gratitude philosophy encourages every trail user to recognize that access is a gift. By respecting private property, protecting natural resources, caring for others, and setting a positive example, each person who visits Kingdom Trails can help preserve the relationships that keep our network open.
Our Trail Crew, Ambassadors, staff, and volunteers all play an important role in that stewardship. Whether maintaining sustainable trails, helping visitors navigate the network, managing busy access areas, or simply explaining why a particular trail rule matters, our goal is to protect both the landscape and the trust on which Kingdom Trails depends.
LISTENING TO OUR COMMUNITY
Strong communities are built through conversation. KTA works to create opportunities for residents, landowners, businesses, trail users, and other community members to connect directly with our organization, share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the future of Kingdom Trails.
Our Community Chats are an important part of that effort. These informal, monthly gatherings are designed to foster open and transparent communication between KTA and the communities surrounding the network. Community Chats provide an open forum where residents, landowners, trail users, and other interested community members can meet with KTA staff, hear updates on trail projects and organizational priorities, ask questions, raise concerns, and share ideas and feedback.
The conversations that happen through Community Chats and our other community engagement efforts help inform how we approach trail access, parking, visitor impacts, stewardship, programming, and the long-term growth and sustainability of the network. Just as importantly, they give us an opportunity to listen and maintain an ongoing dialogue with the people who live, work, and recreate here.
We hope you'll join us at an upcoming Community Chat.
WORKING TOGETHER
We regularly collaborate with partners throughout the region on events, programs, visitor initiatives, and opportunities that strengthen both outdoor recreation and the local community. These partnerships allow us to connect visitors with the businesses and communities around the network while creating opportunities for residents to engage with Kingdom Trails in meaningful ways.
Our Ambassadors and Welcome Center staff play an important part in that connection, helping visitors discover local businesses, lodging, dining, events, and attractions and encouraging them to experience more of the Northeast Kingdom during their stay.
GIVING BACK TO THE TRAILS
Community stewardship is something everyone can participate in.
Throughout the season, volunteer opportunities such as Trail Crew Dig Days give people the chance to work alongside KTA staff, learn about trail construction and maintenance, meet other members of the community, and contribute directly to the network they enjoy.
Our Volunteer Ambassador Program provides another way to get involved, with community members helping welcome visitors, provide information, assist at busy parking areas, and encourage responsible recreation throughout the network.
These programs aren't simply about getting work done. They're about creating a stronger connection between the people who use Kingdom Trails and the people, land, and communities that make the network possible.
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
The long-term future of Kingdom Trails depends on maintaining the balance between exceptional outdoor recreation and the needs of the community that hosts it.
That responsibility belongs to all of us.
By listening to our neighbors, supporting our landowners, protecting the landscape, partnering with local organizations and businesses, volunteering our time, and choosing to Ride With Gratitude, we can help ensure that Kingdom Trails remains something our community can be proud of for generations to come.
