There are plenty of ways to design and maintain trails to make them more inviting to people with a wide range of physical abilities. That’s why we are partnering with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Community Geographics (the organization that
There are plenty of ways to design and maintain trails to make them more inviting to people with a wide range of physical abilities. That’s why we are partnering with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Community Geographics (the organization that maintains Trail Finder), and local trail users to address the challenges people face when seeking to build or use accessible trails.
VTGC is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $644,000 grant from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative to improve accessibility on the state’s trails. The project, co-led by our five partner organizations, takes place between June 1, 2024 and December 2025, concluding with a final set of recommendations to the the State of Vermont on how to continue the work. Please check back soon as we build out our new Accessibility Hub for more resources, assessment, and training opportunities.
Vermont is known for thousands of miles of trails through diverse and beautiful landscapes, but people with disabilities can’t access the same quantity or quality of recreation assets able bodied people enjoy.
According to a 2021 CDC Survey, nearly a quarter of Vermonters have a disability, including 10 percent with mobility-specific disa
Vermont is known for thousands of miles of trails through diverse and beautiful landscapes, but people with disabilities can’t access the same quantity or quality of recreation assets able bodied people enjoy.
According to a 2021 CDC Survey, nearly a quarter of Vermonters have a disability, including 10 percent with mobility-specific disabilities. Yet only one percent of the state’s 7,750+ miles of trails are listed as “accessible” by Trail Finder, and less than 100 miles of more than 1,000 public mountain bike trail miles have been assessed for adaptive mountain bike (AMTB) use.
Fortunately, we can do something about it. Below are resources and information on upcoming trainings and assessments aimed at making our trails network accessible for all.
We are seeking an experienced videographer to create a series of storytelling videos.
These videos will highlight the connections between accessible trail experts, trail advocates and end users of these trails to increase Vermont’s access to trails, information, and resources for those with differing physical abilities. The final del
We are seeking an experienced videographer to create a series of storytelling videos.
These videos will highlight the connections between accessible trail experts, trail advocates and end users of these trails to increase Vermont’s access to trails, information, and resources for those with differing physical abilities. The final deliverables will include two primary videos (3-5 minutes each) and shorter versions (60 seconds, 30 seconds, and 15 seconds) for social media channels.
It isn’t easy to find resources on how to build or amend trails so that people with mobility challenges can fully enjoy them. As part of this project, we will be enhancing and expanding content about accessible trails on Trail Finder, including but not limited to maximum trail grade, tread width, surface consistency, parking lot accessib
It isn’t easy to find resources on how to build or amend trails so that people with mobility challenges can fully enjoy them. As part of this project, we will be enhancing and expanding content about accessible trails on Trail Finder, including but not limited to maximum trail grade, tread width, surface consistency, parking lot accessibility, and wayfinding, and improve searchability and tools for presenting accessible trail information.
There is also a wealth of national resources dedicated to improving trail accessibility. American Trails’ accessibility hub features recorded webinars, compliance resources, and usability guides aimed to strengthen your knowledge and skills.
One of the Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub partners, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail — 145 miles of which runs through Vermont — is beginning a project to understand and improve accessibility for people with mobility challenges. The paddlers’ organization is seeking input via an online survey to help it identify needs and target future i
One of the Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub partners, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail — 145 miles of which runs through Vermont — is beginning a project to understand and improve accessibility for people with mobility challenges. The paddlers’ organization is seeking input via an online survey to help it identify needs and target future infrastructure improvements. Read the full VT Digger Story here.
The Vermont Trails and Greenways Council will create a digital, statewide accessible trails hub that will include detailed resources and best practices for building - or amending existing - adaptive and accessible trails. We will also facilitate networking, skills-building, funding, and technical assistance opportunities for trail managers.
If you want to learn more about this trail assessments and the Hub's work, please fill out the form linked below or reach out to info@vermonttgc.org .
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