The Vermont Trails & Greenways Council seeks to ensure that people will always have access to adequate land and water-based trails and greenways.
Vermonters and visitors continue to take to the roads and trails on foot, bicycles, horses and machines in increasing numbers. Our trails and greenways provide a bounty of benefits beyond the pleasure of recreation. More and more people are taking personal responsibility for their fitness and discovering the benefits of regular walking. Bicycling to work has seen a large jump particularly since the increase in gasoline prices. People of all ages are learning about Vermont’s natural and cultural heritage through an increasing variety of trail-based educational programs. Neighbors and friends in every Vermont community enjoy the social benefits of trails that connect important public places such as schools, parks and forests.
Our dedication to nurturing the creation of Vermont’s trails and greenways and protecting them from demise continues. Our diverse membership continues to work in concert on important issues such as increasing funding for trail planning and development, protecting the public rights-of-way, easing regulatory permitting, and fostering good landowner relationships. We continue to provide important planning and educational resources through our newsletter, publications, website and our trails tracks at the Governor’s Conference on Recreation in October.
To remain a viable force in shaping the future of Vermont recreation, VT&GC needs to maintain an active membership and continue foster partnerships with the private, public and non-profit interests. We will continue to fulfill and expand our statutory designation as an advisory council to state government and increase our membership and participation among local municipalities and trail related commercial interests. We are actively recruiting new members and contributors so that we can expand the services of the council and strengthen our staff support. Please take a minute to consider joining and supporting the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council so that we can keep up our important work.
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine. NFCT offers maps, books, and web-based tools to help you connect to our 740-mile paddling route that traces a fascinating history from early Native Americans through European settlers. NFCT also introduces you to the places and people that make waterway destinations along our route in the Adirondacks and Northern New England inviting and exciting today. The route’s variety of flat water, swift water, and whitewater, on a range of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds provide extensive opportunities for canoe and kayak recreation. Vibrant communities along the way offer inns, B&Bs and camping facilities, as well as other recreational and heritage attractions. Come paddle with us…for an afternoon, a vacation, or a lifetime!
VTGC at the State House
On February 16th the VTGC had the Card Room at the Vermont State House to raise awarness amongst our representatives of the value of Vermont’s recreation trail and the current need they have due to insufficent funding, devastation caused by the spring flood and Tropical Storm Irene. We explained the role of the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council and shared this handout summarizing the current state of affairs.
Current Trail Conditions Website
This wesbite offers a place to find and offer current trail conditions all over New England. Check out the Vermont page and let them know what it’s like out there!
More events will be posted soon.
