It is difficult to fathom the time back when Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom was a hidden gem for mountain biking enthusiasts. Hidden no more, thanks in large part to the immense popularity of the expansive Kingdom Trails network, mountain biking in the NEK today generates more than $30 million in annual economic impact, according to a study commissioned by the Vermont Department of Tourism.
The Kingdom Trails Association alone estimates that its trails are used more than 100,000 times per year, the majority of which are mountain bikers during the spring, summer and fall seasons. From bike rentals and gear shops to restaurants and accommodations, the ripple effects of this thriving industry are felt throughout the NEK.
The KTA and many other local organizations and volunteer groups contribute their time and resources to trail maintenance efforts, from clearing fallen trees to building new features. Their collective efforts have transformed the Northeast Kingdom into a mountain biking paradise, attracting riders from far and wide.
What makes this region a mecca for two-wheeled exploration is obvious. The NEK’s rugged landscape, 2,000-square-miles in total, boasts pristine forests, rolling meadows, farmland and mountain terrain. Riders can spend days exploring the beauty and diversity of the landscapes and quaint towns that make this region unique. As diverse as the natural landscapes are, so too is the diversity of the trail networks available throughout the region — some 300 miles in total. There truly is something for everyone, from leisurely scenic routes to hair-raising downhill descents.