NEW Safe Road & Trail Crossings
August 31, 2021
We’re taking action folks!
As many are aware, KT and the Burke Chamber, received a USDA Rural Business Development Grant to fund a Network Capacity Study that was completed this past Spring. Public engagement was a key component throughout the process and we were grateful to learn our community’s wants, concerns, and vision for KT’s future. The study determined that KT had sufficient capacity, but there were significant safety issues and imbalances in usage. Recommendations focused on safer traffic and pedestrian flow and dispersion of users. One specific strategy that we were excited to tackle right away is the Safe Road and Trail Crossings project.
The goal of the Safe Road and Trail Crossings project is improved safety for drivers and trail users where roads and trails intersect. Specific interventions will include tactile “rumble strips” to signal riders that they are approaching a road crossing, slow down and come to a complete stop. These rumble strips will not only promote rider and driver safety, but also help control erosion where the trail meets the road. There will also be signage that includes Stop Signs in advance of the road’s right of way, and adjacent “You Are Here” maps delineating crossing specifics and including emergency evacuation details. There vertical road signs will also be implemented to signal drivers that they are approaching a trail crossing.
KT was able to pursue this Capacity Study recommendation due to generous grant funding from Northern Forest Center’s Destination Development Initiative. The goal of this grant program is to improve outdoor recreation opportunities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It supports projects that help communities and organizations serve residents and visitors, plus invests in projects that enhance economic development and outdoor recreation in our region’s rural communities.
KTA is grateful to be taking action on this project that was suggested by our own community members. We are glad to be improving the safety where roads and trails intersect for drivers and trail users, community members and visitors. This project’s infrastructure, paired with the expanded KT Ambassador Program, will hold trail users accountable, monitor safe road and trail crossings, and promote engagement and education with the goals of creating a safer experience for those walking, biking, and driving, strengthening the economic impact across the region, as well as relieving pressure and stress on landowners, our host communities, and roads.
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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