KILLINGTON–Construction on the first three miles of an extensive mountain bike trail network in Killington has begun, marked by a formal groundbreaking Friday, Aug 5. Town officials, residents, and mountain bike enthusiasts gathered for the ceremony kicking off the project which, when completed, will boast over 15 miles of mountain bike trails.
The Killington Select Board first approved the project in 2014, and in April 2015, the town was awarded a $50,000 Recreational Trails Program Grant from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. The first trails to be constructed adjacent to Kent Pond are part of a larger town-wide initiative to link Killington Resort’s mountain biking trails with the greater Killington community and nearby public lands, elevating the region’s status in the mountain bike market.
“These family-friendly trails will encourage fun for all ages and boost our desirability as a summer destination,”said Amy Morrison, director for the Killington Pico Area Association.
The trail construction is being carried out by Sinuosity, a Morristown, Vt., based trail development company with an extensive trail planning portfolio.
The trail system is a collaboration with the Killington Mountain Bike Club, a Vermont Mountain Bike Association Chapter, and the town of Killington. The $50,000 grant received in April requires a 20 percent match, which will be fulfilled by the KMBC and the town of Killington.
KMBC President Ben Colona said there has been a great response from local businesses and residents. “Developing a cross-country network will help meet the growing demand in the mountain market, and help to grow our summer business,” said Colona.
Mountain biking is a known economic driver. A recent study conducted by the small town of East Burke, Vt., found that its trail network brings 40,000 annual visitors and an estimated $4 million annually to the economy.
Photo courtesy of the town of Killington
Over a dozen folks gathered for the official ground breaking of the Killington town bike trails, Friday, Aug. 5.
