Amazing news out the Green Mountain State where U.S. Forest Service has approved the designation of approximately 72 miles of National Forest System roads and trails in the Green Mountain National Forest as part of the Velomont Trail.
The Velomont Trail is a shared project between Vermont Huts & Trails and Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) for a multi-use, hut-supported trail system, optimized for mountain biking, that will run the length of Vermont. The expansive trail network will consist of 485 miles of new and existing trail, connecting 23 Vermont mountain biking chapters across public and private lands, linking 27 communities across the state, while employing and training 330 young adults as they build 30 new huts and five new downtown hostels.
The ambitious project addresses multiple needs and has the potential to conserve up to 214,000 acres of unprotected land. The Velomont is already well underway and when complete will represent the largest hut-supported trail network in the U.S.
Press Release:
Forest Service Approves 72 Miles for the Velomont Bike Trail in Vermont
Manchester, VT—Vermont Huts & Trails (VHT) and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) are excited to announce the U.S. Forest Service’s approval to designate approximately 72 miles of National Forest System roads and trails in the Manchester Ranger District within the Green Mountain National Forest as part of the Velomont Trail—a future, state-wide, hut-supported mountain bike and multi-use trail corridor running from Massachusetts to Canada.
The newly designated section includes a mix of new trail construction, upgrades to existing routes, and targeted relocations to improve sustainability and user experience. Once complete, it will expand mountain bike access to areas where limited or no opportunities currently exist, increase connectivity between rural towns, and open new points of entry to the outdoors—designed to be adaptive-friendly wherever possible.
“This decision is a huge leap toward connecting Vermont’s communities and trail networks through the Velomont. It represents years of planning, extensive specialist review, and thoughtful engagement with partners and the public to ensure the trail benefits both people and the environment.” -RJ Thompson, Executive Director of Vermont Huts & Trails
Key highlights:
- Environmental safeguards: Trail alignment was adjusted to avoid sensitive flora, fauna, and cultural resources.
- Tribal and public engagement: The Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians and the Elnu Abenaki Tribe were consulted, as well as over 200 public comments received—the majority in support.
- Greater trail connectivity: This decision adds to the recently-signed Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project in the Rochester District; which, pending final specialist reviews, will authorize over 100 combined miles of Velomont Trail.
A true multi-organizational effort, VHT will be working with local VMBA chapters, like the SoVTA, on new trail construction, as well as the Catamount Trail Association (CTA) on existing trail that will be ultimately shared with the Velomont.
“A significant portion of the approved 72-mile section of the Velomont Trail will be co-located with the Catamount Trail, an existing backcountry ski trail that spans the length of Vermont.
A majority of the Catamount Trail is winter use only and not suitable for year-round use. However, with this approved mileage, several sections of the Catamount Trail can be made suitable for year-round use with key trail tread improvements and minor reroutes to avoid sensitive areas such as wetlands.
Working with partners like the Catamount Trail Association and the USFS along with various local trail network partners has been a great way to not only link existing trails and networks across the state but also help meet local community needs and goals.” -Angus McCusker, Velomont Trail Director at Vermont Huts & Trails
Construction on the trail can begin immediately, with phased openings as sections are completed. To learn more about Vermont Huts & Trails and the Velomont, visit vermonthuts.org
Related: The Green Mountain Club Scores Another Win For Conserving The Long Trail
