Vermont is forging a new path in outdoor recreation with the Velomont Trail, a 485-mile multi-use trail spanning the length of the state. But what sets this project apart is its commitment to accessibility: the trail is being designed to be fully usable by people with disabilities, particularly adaptive mountain bikers. The initiative, spearheaded by mountain bike enthusiasts and supported by state grants, aims to create a world-class trail network that welcomes everyone.
What is the Velomont Trail?
The Velomont Trail is an ambitious long-distance trail that will stretch from Massachusetts to the Canadian border, traversing Vermont's diverse landscapes. It is being developed by the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) in partnership with local trail groups. Unlike traditional hiking-only trails, Velomont is designed for multiple uses including hiking, running, and cycling, with a strong emphasis on mountain biking. The trail will connect existing routes and create new sections to form a continuous corridor.
Accessibility at the Core
A key feature of the Velomont Trail is its focus on inclusivity. According to NPR News, the trail is being built to accommodate people with disabilities, particularly adaptive cyclists who use specialized bikes such as handcycles or three-wheeled recumbent bikes. VMBA has worked with adaptive athletes to ensure trail surfaces, grades, and obstacles are navigable. Vermont Public reports that this makes Velomont the first trail network in Vermont that is fully accessible to adaptive mountain bikes. The trail includes wider paths, gentle slopes, and bypasses around technical features to allow all riders to enjoy the experience.
“We want everyone to be able to experience the joy of riding in Vermont’s backcountry,” said a VMBA representative, as quoted by Vermont Public. “This trail is for everyone, regardless of ability.”
Hut-to-Hut and Community Support
The Velomont Trail is more than just a path; it's part of a broader effort to make Vermont's outdoors more welcoming. The Vermont Huts Association, as highlighted by the Waterbury Roundabout, is working to establish a network of huts along the trail, allowing multi-day trips with overnight accommodations. These huts will provide shelter, water, and basic amenities, making long-distance travel accessible to a wider audience, including families and novice adventurers.
Funding for the trail and associated projects comes partly from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC), which awarded grants to several White River Valley projects, as reported by The White River Valley Herald. This state initiative supports outdoor recreation infrastructure, boosting local economies while promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
Fall Foliage and Year-Round Appeal
While the trail is designed for year-round use, fall foliage season offers a spectacular backdrop. New Hampshire Magazine notes that Vermont's fall colors are among the best in the region, and the Velomont Trail will provide unparalleled views. However, developers emphasize that the trail is a multi-season resource, with winter fat biking and snowshoeing opportunities planned.
Perspectives and Challenges
The project has garnered broad support, but some concerns have been raised. Environmental groups have called for careful routing to minimize impact on sensitive habitats. Meanwhile, local landowners have negotiated easements to allow trail passage. The NPR report highlights that the trail's success hinges on collaboration among volunteers, state agencies, and private landowners.
Critics also question whether accessibility features might compromise the trail's appeal for experienced mountain bikers. However, VMBA argues that the trail offers varied difficulty levels, with optional technical side loops for those seeking challenges. The main corridor will remain accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
Construction is underway in phases, with sections opening as they are completed. The full trail is expected to be finished within the next decade. Once complete, the Velomont Trail will be one of the longest continuous multi-use trails in the Northeast, setting a standard for inclusive outdoor recreation.
For Vermont, the trail represents a significant investment in public health, tourism, and community. As one adaptive athlete told Vermont Public, “This trail means I can finally ride with my family in the backcountry. It changes everything.”
With its combination of scenic beauty, community effort, and a commitment to accessibility, the Velomont Trail is poised to become a model for inclusive trail development nationwide.
