Three miles of adaptive-friendly mountain biking trails
Town/Region: Stowe, Vermont
Website: https://www.trailforks.com/region/von-trapp-family-lodge--resort/trails/
Trail Snapshot
| Length | Adaptive Trail Names | Grade/Width |
|---|---|---|
| 3 miles over multiple trails were assessed | Greenway, Rock Tiger, Woodchuck, Stepping Stone | Gentle/moderate grades suitable for adaptive mountain biking (aMTB). Bridges and pinch points widened to ~40” minimum |
| Use | Parking/Restrooms | Trail Map |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive mountain biking, beginner/intermediate mountain biking | Large, flat, wide lot with one designated accessible spot, directly off paved road. Accessible restrooms in main lodge (up the road). | Trail Forks maps |
About the Trails
The von Trapp Outdoor Center sits on the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort property in Stowe, offering a beginner- and intermediate-friendly mountain bike network. In 2025, upgrades were made to ensure a selection of trails could be designated adaptive-friendly.
The Greenway, Rock Tiger, Woodchuck, and Stepping Stone trails now provide safe, fun, and accessible riding for adaptive mountain bikers while maintaining their appeal for other riders. With a wide parking area and gentle terrain, von Trapp trails are especially well-suited for lessons, programming, and events. These adaptive trails are all connected and total up to about 3 miles of adaptive-friendly trails
How the Trails Were Updated
In 2025, an adaptive trail assessment was conducted by the Vermont Mountain Biking Association (VMBA), Vermont Adaptive and Ski Sports, and the Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF), which identified a set of improvements for von Trapp Family Lodge. The von Trapp team quickly got to work, using their own excavator and staff to complete the first phase of improvements in May—widening sections of Greenway, Rock Tiger, and Woodchuck, fixing bridge entrances, and expanding turn radii.
The second phase focused on Stepping Stone, where most of the identified pinch points and outslope issues were located. Using a rented mini-excavator, von Trapp Family Lodge widened tread, re-benched sections, and adjusted berms to reduce tipping hazards. With these updates, the four trails are now considered adaptive-friendly.
View the Completed Trail Assessment
Partners
Stowe Trails Partnership (VMBA Chapter)
Von Trapp Family Lodge / von Trapp Outdoor Center
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
Grant funding for upgrades: Kelly Brush Foundation
In-kind contributions: von Trapp staff labor, excavator use, materials
Design Highlights
- Widened bridges to 40” to accommodate adaptive mountain bikes.
- Turn radii and berms adjusted for stability and smoother navigation.
- Pinch points re-benched on Stepping Stone to reduce tipping risk.
- Signage and maps placed at accessible heights, with clear trail ratings.
- Mix of singletrack and doubletrack available to suit riders of different experience levels.
Key Learning: Small Adjustments Can Make a Big Difference
Many of the changes, such as widening a bridge, re-benching a turn, or extending a berm, were relatively minor but transformed the riding experience for an adaptive rider. Collaboration among trail staff—including the VMBA chapter, adaptive riders, and advocacy partners—ensured the solutions were practical and effective.
