Five miles of adaptive-friendly mountain biking trails
Town/Region: Rutland, Vermont
Website: https://www.trailforks.com/region/pine-hill-park-12112/
Trail Snapshot
| Length | Adaptive Trail Names | Grade/Width |
|---|---|---|
| 5 miles over multiple trails were assessed. | 12+ adaptive-friendly trails (see list below). | Gentle/moderate grades suitable for adaptive mountain biking (aMTB). Upgraded to adaptive-friendly with widened turns, flattened areas, and obstructions removed. |
| Use | Parking/Restrooms | Trail Map |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive mountain biking, beginner/intermediate mountain biking, trail running, hiking, walking, and snowshoeing. | The parking area is large, flat, and wide, with two designated accessible parking spots. Accessible portilet next to the parking lot. | Trail Forks maps |
About the Trails
Pine Hill Park in Rutland is a public network of multiuse trails on municipal land, offering a mix of singletrack and carriage roads across forested terrain. It is owned by the City of Rutland and is stewarded by the Pine Hill Partnership, a non-profit volunteer organization formed to manage the trails for the enjoyment of all who love the outdoors.
The park is already a popular destination for riders of all abilities and was identified as an excellent opportunity for adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) programming in central Vermont.
A depression was filled on the Escalator trail to remove a tipping hazard for adaptive mountain bike riders.
How the Trails Were Updated
In 2025, an adaptive trail assessment conducted by the Vermont Mountain Biking Association, Vermont Adaptive and Ski Sports, and the Kelly Brush Foundation, covered nearly five miles of beginner- and intermediate-friendly trails, noting that most routes already provide a positive experience for adaptive riders with minimal adjustments needed.
Several small refinements were recommended to improve access and flow for adaptive riders. With these updates, these trails are all adaptive-friendly:
- Pond Rd
- Crusher Rd
- Watkins Wood Rd
- Trillium (updated — tight space removed, now fully adaptive-friendly)
- Escalator (updated — sump depression fixed)
- Freefall (updated — rock removed)
- Sore Elbow (doubletrack)
- Annex
- Lower Jersey
- Santa’s Little Helper
- Quartzite (updated — rock removed)
Additional minor changes noted in the assessment are in progress and will make the system fully adaptive-friendly, including:
- Jigsaw – needs small amount of benching and rock adjustments
- Sore Elbow (singletrack) – needs a rotten stump removed, widening of a bridge, benching and leveling the trail tread, and raising or shifting rocks
- Rembrandt’s – two tree pinch points and a tipping hazard
- Milk Run – sumps and rolling dips cause tipping hazards; drainage adjustments needed
- Voldemort – widen one right turn
- Exit Strategy – two narrow bridges and a 3-point turn
View the Completed Trail Assessment
Partners
Pine Hill Partnership Volunteers
Town of Rutland
Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub partners:
- Vermont Trails & Greenways Council
- Vermont Mountain Bike Association
- Vermont Adaptive and Ski Sports
Funding
Grant funding for the trail assessment: Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub
In-kind contributions: Pine Hill Park volunteer labor and materials
Design Highlights
- Public trail network on municipal land
- Accessible trailhead with flat parking area, kiosk, and portable restroom
- Mix of carriage roads and moderate singletrack suitable for progression
- Strong local stewardship through Pine Hill Partnership volunteers
Key Learning: Many Existing Trails Need Minimal Changes
Many existing trail systems can become adaptive-friendly through small, targeted changes. Pine Hill Park shows that accessibility doesn’t always require rebuilding. With community support and light trail work, this established network can now welcome even more riders of all abilities.
