Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont, is a community hub where nature, adventure, and inclusivity come together. Founded in 1994 and led by Executive Direct Abby Long, this nonprofit organization has been making outdoor recreation accessible to all. Whether you're fat biking in the winter, mountain biking in the summer, or just looking to hike some pretty incredible trails, Kingdom Trails offers it all. Their trail network is built and maintained with the support of 100 private landowners, local volunteers, and community partners. Additionally, they’re all about giving back to the local economy and making sure everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

 

Key Aspects of Kingdom Trails:

• Collaboration with Local Landowners: The trail network spans the properties of 100 private landowners, which ensures sustainable land use and community support.

• Economic Impact: Kingdom Trails generates a $10 million annual economic impact to  benefit local businesses and communities.

• Winter and Summer Recreation: The trails are groomed for fat biking, skiing, snowshoeing in winter and cater to mountain biking, walking, and other outdoor activities in the summer.

• Community and School Partnerships: Kingdom Trails works with the Kingdom East School District to provide after-school and summer programs for kids and with organizations promoting inclusivity in outdoor recreation.

 

Key Programs at Kingdom Trails:

• After-School & Summer Programs (Kingdom East School District):

  • Kids in the region are provided access to the trails for biking, skiing, and snowshoeing after school and during summer camps.

  • These programs help make outdoor recreation accessible to local youth, regardless of socioeconomic status.

• Winooski Wanderers Partnership:

  • A cultural exchange program that brings urban youth to Kingdom Trails for biking, encouraging cross-cultural learning and giving children from different backgrounds access to outdoor activities in a rural setting.

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• BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Programs:

  • Kingdom Trails partners with organizations like Powered Magazine to get BIPOC youth outdoors and to promote diversity within the outdoor community. They also support LGBTQ+ inclusion through events like Pride Rides.

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• Winter Bike Festival & Torch Light Trail Experience:

  • The Winter Bike Festival celebrates fat biking in the Northeast Kingdom and draws in visitors and fosters a love for winter recreation.

  • The Torch Light Trail Experience offers a magical evening with an astronomer and s’mores and makes outdoor recreation fun for families.

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• PVD Cycling Team & Community Workdays:

  • Kingdom Trails supports the PVD Cycling Team from Rhode Island by covering transportation,  lodging, and providing opportunities for community service work on the trails, promoting volunteerism and access to outdoor activities for urban youth.

• Discounted Access for Local Residents:

  • In an effort to make outdoor activities more accessible, Kingdom Trails offers discounted access to its trails for residents of the Northeast Kingdom to ensure that local families can enjoy recreation without financial barriers.