The Velomont
A legacy project. Right here, in the Green Mountain State.
What is the Velomont?
The Velomont is our vision 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.
Why the Velomont?
Safe and simple access to outdoor recreation is vital to Vermont’s communities, economy, and environment. Now, more than ever, we believe in the importance of increased access equality to the outdoors. However, without safe, affordable solutions, outdoor recreation faces a glaring inequality problem.
Backcountry trips have historically demanded significant time, equipment, and expertise. The Velomont and the Vermont Hut network is focused on lowering the barrier of entry to backcountry adventures. The Velomont will offer guests myriad points of trail access and, once in their hut, all they need to sleep, cook, and safely stay in the backcountry—guests simply bring food and a sleeping bag. With front and backcountry experiences accessible from gateway villages, this new infrastructure will support a wide range of user groups, engaging multiple generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Unlike most long-distance trails that tend to favor more remote areas only, the Velomont Trail will also link 36 existing trail networks and travel directly into villages, providing an outdoor lifeline for many Vermont communities.
Potential project impact
economic development
- 35,820 annual visits
- $6.2 million in total sales activity
- $11 million in increased earnings
- $685k in tax revenues
services
- 320 young adults trained through huts construction program
- $1.1 million in wages earned
- 91 full-time equivalent jobs
connectivity
Hut to hut trail system connects:
- 27 communities
- 23 trail organizations
- 35 backcountry huts & downtown hostels
conservation
- 214,000 acres +/- of private and public land conserved
- Alignment with and protection of sustainable use of a climate resilience corridor
health
- Adaptive-friendly trails and ADA huts and hostels promote inclusivity and equal access to outdoor recreation
- Huts create new points of access for families, beginners, and experts, alike
Donate to enhance access to recreation in Vermont.
WHO IS THE VELOMONT?
Vermont Huts & Trails and the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working together to bring the Velomont to life. Through projects dedicated to recreation, conservation, and inclusion, Vermont Huts’ mission is to foster a deeper appreciation for our natural environment and strengthen Vermont’s communities by providing enriching and immersive outdoor experiences for all.
Special thanks to:
United States Forest Service, Vermont Forest Parks & Recreation, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, Vermont Adaptive, Vermont Land Trust
With support from:
