According to Vermont Huts & Trails (VHT) and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) the U.S. Forest Service’s has approved 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,” said RJ Thompson, Executive Director of Vermont Huts & Trails. “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.”
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,” said Angus McCusker, Velomont Trail Director at Vermont Huts & Trails, “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.”
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
What is the Velomont Trail?
The Velomont 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.
It will consist of a network 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. This legacy project addresses multiple needs, and has the potential to conserve up to 214,000 acres of unprotected land.
The Velomont is already well underway, but when complete, it will represent the largest hut-supported trail network in the U.S.
The Velomont Trail Map
About Vermont Huts & Trails
Vermont Huts & Trails is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; whose mission is to foster a deeper appreciation of our natural environment and strengthen Vermont’s communities by providing enriching and immersive outdoor experiences for all.
About Vermont Mountain Bike Association
Founded in 1997, The Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that, through a family of 28 Chapters, serves as the unified voice for mountain biking in Vermont.
