The Winter Trail Network is OPEN to Bike & Foot Traffic

December 15, 2020

With COVID Restrictions and changes to winter operations.

Although the snow has not yet arrived, KTA has made the decision to open the winter trail network for bike and foot travel with COVID restrictions. Fresh air and recreational opportunities are more important than ever in the quest to nurture our bodies and minds, and we hope that each of you are able to find the opportunity to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Due to the current conditions of no snow, frozen bare ground, and the hunting season over, we are allowing bikes of all tire sizes and foot traffic only on the Darling Hill and White School sector trails. The soils in these areas are less prone than other terrain to long term damage with temperature fluctuations. However, please note that if temperatures rise and the ground softens, we will close the trails or revert to fat tire bikes only and restrict foot traffic. We ask that you keep an eye on KTA's communications and the weather and temps. If any damage is occurring to the trails during use, please make the responsible decisions to ensure the future health of the trails. Before accessing the trails, always check our website for the latest condition updates.

For your health and safety of our community, it is essential that trail users familiarize themselves with KTA COVID policies. Unfortunately, due to rising COVID cases across the Northeast, effective on November 10, 2020, the State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont. Please abide by VT Cross State Travel mandates and follow mandatory quarantine procedures before planning a trip from out of state.

KTA COVID-19 Policies

* Operational Changes *

It is important to share that there are changes to our operations this winter. KTA will not be operating out of the yurt on Darling Ridge this coming season. Due to COVID priorities and our desire to keep our staff, community, and members safe, we are not able to offer an indoor warming space, yet will still offer sales and information services at the KTA Welcome Center Service Window located at downtown East Burke 478 VT. Rte 114. (Same as our summer location). Please know as COVID may evolve, these operations could too. We thank you in advance for understanding any changes and we will absolutely communicate if this is the case.

Welcome Center

Along with this change in location, the KTA Board of Directors and staff have also made the decision to slightly increase our cost of memberships. As we are all too aware, the strain of COVID is a factor, plus Kingdom Trails has not raised their prices in over 10 years to keep up with inflation. We wish to continue supporting our staff and stay true to the commitments we made to our community and landowners to have a greater trail presence, managing trail users for the safety of all. The increase will only be to our daily and monthly memberships and it is just by $5. We will also be offering a new 2 consecutive-day or “weekend” membership designed to encourage an overnight stay. Yearly memberships will remain the same and of course, we will proudly continue to offer our NEK discount.

Membership

The three locations for parking to access the winter trail network are 2079 Darling Hill Rd. where the yurt was previously located. And in the village of East Burke at East Burke Sports, 439 VT Rte 114 and at Mike's Tiki Bar at 44 Belden Hill Rd.

Parking Locations

The updated winter map is online here. And hard copies are available at the KTA Welcome Center. You may navigate the trail system digitally by using the ONDAGO GPS app downloaded to your phone.

Trail Map

Trail conditions are available on our website or by downloading the Trailhub app to your phone. Set KTA as one of your favorites and you'll receive notifications with condition updates.

Trail Conditions

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions by email to info@kingdomtrails.org or during business hours at (802)626-0737.

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Bear Den Partners, Owners of Burke Mountain, Make Unprecedented $100,000 Gift to Kingdom Trails, Securing Northeast Kingdom’s Recreational Future

By Jodi Flanagan • October 27, 2025

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 .