Our Mission

Southern Vermont Trail Association strengthens communities by planning, developing, and stewarding sustainable trails and public recreation infrastructure that expand accessible outdoor opportunities, support land conservation, and enhance quality of life throughout southern Vermont.

Our Vision

A connected southern Vermont where every community has sustainable, accessible outdoor recreation opportunities that improve quality of life, strengthen local communities, and inspire lifelong connections to the outdoors.

Who We Are

Southern Vermont Trail Association (SoVTA) is a nonprofit organization and proud chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) and Catamount Trail Association (CTA). We serve as a regional recreation infrastructure partner, helping municipalities, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, private landowners, and community partners create sustainable public recreation assets that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Our work extends far beyond trail construction. We provide recreation planning, environmental permitting, grant development, project management, volunteer coordination, construction oversight, and long-term stewardship needed to move complex recreation projects from concept to completion. By bringing together communities, agencies, landowners, businesses, volunteers, and funding partners, we help rural communities accomplish projects they often lack the capacity to undertake independently.

What We Do

Southern Vermont Trail Association works with communities throughout southern Vermont to plan, develop, and steward high-quality public recreation infrastructure, including:

• Sustainable four-season multi-use trail systems
• Adaptive and family-friendly recreation facilities
• Trailheads, parking areas, and public access improvements
• Recreation pavilions and supporting site infrastructure
• Environmental permitting and regulatory compliance
• Grant development and project management
• Volunteer coordination and community engagement
• Long-term stewardship and recreation planning

Every project is designed to create lasting public benefits while protecting natural resources and expanding outdoor opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.

Our Approach

Many rural communities have the vision to improve outdoor recreation but lack the staff capacity, technical expertise, or funding to move projects forward. Southern Vermont Trail Association fills that gap by serving as a trusted partner throughout every stage of project development.

We believe successful recreation projects are built through collaboration. Our work brings together municipalities, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, private landowners, businesses, and volunteers to create sustainable recreation assets that strengthen communities, support conservation, improve public health, and expand access to the outdoors.

Our Impact to Date

Since 2020, Southern Vermont Trail Association has helped create more than 30 miles of four-season recreation trails and supporting public recreation infrastructure across southern Vermont.

Our work has:

• Expanded adaptive and family-friendly outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Increased access to public lands and natural resources.
• Leveraged significant public and private investment.
• Engaged hundreds of volunteers in meaningful stewardship.
• Helped municipalities navigate complex planning, permitting, and funding processes.
• Built lasting partnerships that continue to expand recreation opportunities throughout the region.

As demand for our services continues to grow, Southern Vermont Trail Association remains committed to helping more communities develop sustainable recreation infrastructure that improves quality of life for generations to come.

Our Partners

Southern Vermont Trail Association collaborates with a diverse network of partners who share our commitment to accessible, sustainable outdoor recreation, including:

• Vermont Mountain Bike Association
• Catamount Trail Association
• Green Mountain National Forest
• Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
• Municipal governments
• State and federal agencies
• Private landowners
• Local businesses
• Community organizations
• Dedicated volunteers

Together, we are building a connected network of public recreation opportunities that strengthens communities throughout southern Vermont.