This vast network of trails is maintained by the Kingdom Trails
Association, which was founded in 1994 by locals with the goal of promoting the
Northeast Kingdom’s natural beauty. The trails are unique because they are not
your typical rugged and rocky mountain bike trails, but instead are very
smooth. This is because the network was started by skiers in the 1980’s,
bringing a unique and truly one of a kind network of trails.
The trail system is even labeled similar to that of a ski resort with Green trails for the beginners, all the
way up to the Black Diamond trails
for those with experience. The network contains something for everyone, from
leisurely trails through open fields on Darling Hill, to steep and rugged
screamers down Burke Mountain.
This has allowed Kingdom Trails to be voted as the Best Mountain Bike Trail Network in North America by Bike Magazine in their annual Reader's
Poll. It has also
been voted Editors' Choice in the Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to
New England and has also been named Best
of New England by Boston Magazine Travel & Life.
The biking season runs from May through
October 31st. The exact opening date in May is dependent upon how
bad the mud season is and how quickly the trails are brought up to riding
level. This year they do not expect to have the trails open until mid-May.
For most Individual aged 16
years to 69 years old a Day Pass can be purchased for $15 and a Year-Round Pass
for $75 with lesser
rates for those on either side of the age range. You will also need
to sign a safety
wavier because of the dangers of the sport.
More information on Kingdom Trails can be found at the Welcome
Center, which is located behind the Northeast Kingdom Country Store in East
Burke. The Physical address is 478 Route 114, East Burke, Vermont 05832. You
can also sign up your Day or Year-Round pass here and pick up a Bike Trail Map.
Holly
Cannon & Steve Decatur
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