KTA Preparation for Future Opening in Response to Governor Scott's "Play Smart, Play Safe"
May 6, 2020
demonstrated here locally and around the country and to our north during this time of
unprecedented challenge and struggle, and we realize and appreciate more than ever the
sanctuary that being outdoors provides.
We have been encouraged recently with Governor Scott’s slow turning of the spigot to reopen
Vermont’s economy safely and responsibly. Just the other week the Governor released his
“Work Smart, Stay Safe”
addendum to his executive order, allowing for limited outdoor
businesses to resume under specific conditions. This allowed our Trail Crew to begin
maintenance for if and when Kingdom Trails may be allowed to open for public use.
Today the Governor turned the knob a bit more. He announced the addition of “Play Smart, Play
Safe”
to his order. Trail networks around the state will be allowed to open for public use.
Kingdom Trails is pleased with this announcement. Outdoor recreation is an important part of
our region’s economy and crucial to people’s physical and mental well-being, especially amidst
this time of crisis.
However, Kingdom Trails cannot stress enough how vital it will be for us to tread cautiously. We
understand outdoor recreation activities may increase the potential for increased transmission of
COVID-19 if proper precautions and guidelines are not in place or followed to mitigate that risk,
even as restrictions ease. The health and safety of our landowners, staff, community, and
trail users comes first.
Currently Kingdom Trails is still closed due to mud season conditions, yet this in between time
will come to an end soon. When we do believe we can open, we will be taking a very
conservative approach and want to stress that operations will not go back to ‘normal.’ Due to the
Governor’s orders, along with protocol from the Agency of Commerce and Community
Development and the Dept. of Forest, Parks, and Recreation, Vermonters should only partake
in local outdoor recreation opportunities and are encouraged to stay close to home. The
Canadian Border remains closed, lodging is not available until mid-June, and out-of-state
visitors are still being asked not to come to Vermont for recreational activities, and if they do,
they must self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving.
There will also be specific rules to recreate responsibly on our trails that follow physical
distancing, health and sanitation measures in accordance with VDH, CDC and ACCD
guidelines. These rules will even include proper parking procedures at trail access points. Our
expanded and improved Ambassador Program will safely be able to assist trail users in
navigating these new policies. The Kingdom Trails Welcome Center will not be opening for in
person sales or interactions. We will only be selling Annual Individual and Family Memberships
online through our website. A comprehensive reopening plan with safety guidelines is currently
being worked on and will be available in the near future.
Further, Kingdom Trails will be seeking feedback from our 97 private landowners and
communities that so graciously host our trails. We respect and depend upon their generosity
and our hope is that they will be comfortable with our plans and strict guidelines for opening.
Thank you for your understanding, patience and continued support as Kingdom Trails begins
the process of opening cautiously and responsibly for all.
Abby Long
Executive Director
Kingdom Trail Association
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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