Building Accessible Trails
Resources for designing, building, and adapting existing trails so that everyone can enjoy Vermont’s natural beauty
Getting Started with the Trail Accessibility Hub
Welcome to the Trail Accessibility Hub! We’re here to help you enhance accessibility and inclusivity on trails across Vermont. Whether you’re looking to design new trails, adapt existing ones, or simply learn more about best practices, you’ve come to the right place. Explore our resources to get started.
Accessibility Guidelines
Interpreting Guidelines
There are numerous guidelines available, tailored to the type of trail being built, the landowner or manager, and the available funding. These guidelines cover not just the trail itself but also essential elements like parking, signage, bathrooms, picnic tables, and other amenities that enhance the overall outdoor trail experience.
Learn more about each of the guidelines below.
Learning & Skill Building Opportunities
Creating accessible and amended trails is a skill that trail managers and builders can develop. We offer workshops and webinars to help you learn and apply these skills.
- Trail Symposium: Join us at the Trail Symposium where we’ll be leading two workshops: a hands-on assessment and an “Accessibility 101” overview. Learn what we’re doing, why it matters, and how you can get involved.
- Professional Trail Builders Association: Connect with experts who specialize in building accessible trails.
- American Trails: Explore the extensive resources available on American Trails, including guidance on everything from paddling access to trail gates. Attend their webinars for valuable insights. Check out their offerings and watch for their events on the VTGC events stream.
Events
Professional Trail Builders
In Vermont, several organizations and private builders specialize in constructing accessible and adaptive trails. These experts can provide valuable assistance for your trail projects, ensuring they meet accessibility standards and offer an inclusive experience.
Here’s a list of builders in Vermont who have the expertise in building accessible and adaptive trails. Be sure to reach out to them and inquire about their skills and experience in creating trails that accommodate a variety of needs.
Funding Opportunities for Accessibility Trail Projects
Improving existing trails can often be straightforward and cost-effective, requiring minimal expertise and funding. However, larger projects involving significant design changes or extensive adaptations will need more substantial financial resources.
For funding options, below are various funding opportunities. Two popular funding sources in Vermont include the FPR Recreation Trails Program (RTP), which supports a range of trail projects, and the VOREC Community Grant Program program, which provides grants for enhancing outdoor recreation.
The Trail Accessibility Hub partners will continuously monitor and highlight available funding sources to support your trail projects.
Available Grants
We regularly monitor trail-related funding opportunities and do our best to keep this list up to date. However, we recommend that you check the granting organization’s website for details, updates, and deadlines.
Use the filters below to refine your grant search
Athletic Brewing “Two for the Trails”
Registered non-profit organization working in trail construction and maintenance, waterway protection, environmental stewardship and other outdoor conservation to apply for grants ranging from $600-$50,000.
Application due date:
September 13, 2024
Application Period August 17 – September 13, 2024. Grants Awarded November 1, 2024. Checks will be distributed throughout the end of 2024
Ben and Jerry’s Foundation
Three categories: Vermont Community Action Program; Vermont Equity and Justice Program: and National Grassroots Organizing Program
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Direct Effect Grants
Direct Effect Quality of Life grants fund specific budget items from $5,000 up to $24,999 to support the wide range of projects and activities that will clearly impact individuals living with paralysis […]
Application due date:
October 8, 2024
Technical Assistance Webinar: September 12, 2024
Davis Conservation Fund
Projects of particular interest include DCF’s highest priorities:
Dee Foundation
The Dee Foundation accepts applications for funding within its specific sphere of interest. Full application forms can be acquired only after successful completion of a preliminary fact sheet. The full […]
Application due date:
October 1, 2024
Field’s Pond Foundation
The primary mission of Fields Pond Foundation is to provide financial assistance to nature and land conservation organizations that are community-based and that serve to increase environmental awareness by involving […]
Land & Water Conservation Fund
The LWCF supports the development of public outdoor recreation opportunities across Vermont, with a focus on creating parks and open spaces, enhancing recreation areas and facilities, and protecting wilderness areas […]
Application opening date:
December 13, 2024
Pre-applications open and complete application materials released: October 21, 2024. Pre-application submission deadline: December 13, 2024 Full application submission deadline: March 15, 2025
League of American Bicyclists: Community Spark Grants
The League’s Bicycle Friendly America program awards organizations for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more […]
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
“Through our competitive grant programs, we fund programs and operations of qualified nonprofit organizations that advance health and well-being, environmental protection, education, housing and other basic needs, arts and culture, […]
Outdoor Gear Exchange Charitable Grant
The Outdoor Gear Exchange Charitable Grant Fund’s mission is to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in Vermont communities by partnering with qualified organizations that focus on land conservation, lowering barriers to […]
Application due date:
October 1, 2024
Applications available September 1 and are due October 1. Awardees announced October 15.
Partnerships for Disability Access, Inclusion and Leadership Grant 2024
The Land Trust Alliance and the Council for Inclusive Health and Disabilities have partnered with Disabled Hikers, a leading organization in the disability and outdoors space, to co-create a new grant program. The goal of this grant program is to advance accessibility, inclusion and belonging for disabled people through partnerships, relationship and trust building and co-creation of programs and services.
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
RAISE is a discretionary grant program for investments in surface transportation infrastructure that will have a significant local or regional impact. RAISE Grant Funds were authorized under the Local and […]
Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC)
The EPA is accepting applications for the next round of the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program. This program offers planning assistance to help communities identify strategies that grow […]
Application due date: Info webinar 9/5
October 16, 2024
Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
RTP grants are federally funded on an annual basis through the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and are administered at the State level in Vermont through […]
Pre-application due date:
December 6, 2024
Pre-applications open and application materials released by October 14, 2024. Pre-application submission deadline: December 6, 2024. Full application submission deadline: January 31, 2025
Sunshine Fund
The Sunshine Fund is the heart of the Lawson’s Finest Social Impact Program. priority is given to Mad River Valley, Washington County and Vermont non-profit organizations that focus on: sustainable […]
Application due date:
August 31, 2024
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UV Clean Water Workforce Capacity Development (CWWCD) Block Grant funded through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP)
The purpose of the CWWCD Block Grant is to support and invest in the capacity of our clean water partners in Vermont, both current and potential, in an equitable and […]
October 11, 2024
October 11, 2024
Vermont Community Foundation Capacity Building Grant
Vermont Community Foundation’s Capacity Building grant provides up to $5,000 for consultant fees to help organization’s become more efficient and effective. Funds can be used to hire a consultant to help develop […]
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Decisions will be made within two months of receiving the application. Grant funds cannot cover activities that have already taken place; please keep the notification timeline in mind as you prepare your application.
Vermont Council On Rural Development Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund
VCRD’s Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund provides small grants to local innovators developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals. Applications are now open for the 2024 […]
Deadline for Grant Submissions is 5 pm on Monday October 28th, 2024. You are able to edit your application up until that time.
VOREC Community Grant Program
The VOREC Community Grant Program is intended to fund community projects that leverage outdoor recreation, which VOREC defines as leisure, sport and therapeutic recreation activities pursued outdoors, mainly in a […]
Announcements made in the fall for upcoming cycle