What We Do
The Vermont Trail Accessibility Hub (TAH) is committed to supporting both trail managers and the disability community. Our work includes expanding the number of trails accessible to people of all abilities, offering web-based educational resources, creating opportunities for networking and learning, conducting accessibility assessments, and enhancing trail descriptions so that everyone has the information they need to confidently choose their own outdoor adventures.
Resources
The Trail Accessibility Hub fosters collaboration between trail organizations and the disabilities community to enhance trail accessibility for everyone. The Hub offers web-based information on best management practices for adapting and building pedestrian, aquatic access, and adaptive mountain bike trails. They live on the VTGC website.
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.
Assessments
The Hub partners conduct thorough assessments of existing trails and potential trail sites to evaluate their accessibility. These assessments, often carried out with the help of individuals with mobility challenges, include a comprehensive review of parking facilities, signage, trail surfaces, and amenities like toilets and picnic areas. Our assessments are designed to help trail managers understand the current state of their trails and identify areas for improvement. Thanks to 2023 VOREC Community Grant Program funding, between June 2024 – Fall 2025, we were able to conduct more than 50 assessments statewide, free of charge. Case studies with sample assessments are available on our Trail Talk page
Trail Finder
The best way for a trail user to decide if they’ll check out a new trail is to have accurate and complete information. This is especially true for people with young children, elders, and those with mobility challenges. Trail Finder, partially funded by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, is dedicated to providing complete trail descriptions that include slope, grade, surface material, and much more The Hub supports this work by working with trail managers and trail users to submit accurate information.
Workshops & Webinars
We offer a variety of workshops and webinars to educate trail managers and builders on the best practices for creating and maintaining accessible trails. These training sessions cover everything from basic accessibility guidelines to advanced techniques for building adaptive trails. By sharing our knowledge, we aim to empower others to contribute to the creation of inclusive outdoor spaces.
Funding
Creating accessible trails often requires significant funding. We help trail managers identify and apply for grants, such as the Recreation Trail Program (RTP) and the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program. Our team is also constantly on the lookout for new funding opportunities and shares these resources with our partners and the broader community.
Advising
Our work is driven by collaboration with a wide range of partners, including VTGC, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Community Geographics, and others. Together, we are developing a comprehensive set of recommendations and a sustainability plan to ensure that our efforts continue to benefit the community long after the initial funding period.
Are you interested in an assessment or want to learn more about the Trail Accessibility Hub? Fill out the form below.
Raising Awareness
We are committed to raising awareness about the importance of trail accessibility. Through our newsletters, social media, and public events, we share success stories, highlight ongoing projects, and provide valuable information to the community. Our goal is to inspire others to join us in making Vermont’s trails more accessible for everyone.
Accessibility Hub Partners
