TRAILS COLLABORATIVE
Trail-based recreation and collaboration are important components of the Mad River Valley’s culture and economy. Local trail organizations such as the Mad River Riders, the Mad River Path Association and Ridge Runners (a local chapter of VAST) have led in the creation of an expansive four-season, multi-use trail network on public and private lands.
In 2010, numerous partners, including trail groups, town commissions, state and federal land managers, local businesses and environmental organizations, started to meet regularly as the Mad River Valley Trails Collaborative to identify new ways to sustain a high quality trail network and steward our natural resources and heritage. In 2022 environmental groups were added to this initiative which is now called Conversation and Recreation Visioning (CRV)!
Grant Planning
The Mad River Valley Recreation District, on behalf of six partners, applied for and was granted $408,019 by the Vermont Outdoor Recreation and Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant to balance trails and environmental sustainability, support local economic development & build the MRV Recreation Hub located at the intersection of Route 100 and Route 17. This successful grant was closed out in 2025 with all components developed and every dollar reimbursed!
Mad River Moves & Trail Kiosks
In 2014, when the Mad River Valley Planning District was convening the Trails Collaborative, they did a watershed-wide, long-range vision for an Active Transportation Plan, called MRV Moves. It has provided a cohesive framework on which to build. The top suggestion from MRV Moves were branded trailhead kiosks that were installed at 50+ locations, providing visitors with trail information and maps. Trail updates are incorporated into hardcopy maps and updated data is provided to Trailfinder.com. Additional kiosks and updates are added regularly.
Other Collaborative Projects
Other collaborative projects include: stewardMRV, a very successful effort to keep swim holes and trailheads clean, and the planning and development of a Dog Park.
Another important collaboration is Conservation & Recreation Visioning (CRV), which started as part of the VOREC grant. CRV was spearheaded by a Leadership Team and a Steering Committee of MRV residents representing 15 organizations. They are researching how best to balance ecological integrity with trails and recreation. The VOREC Grant has been finished, but CRV 2.0 continues moving forward with quarterly meetings and additional projects. Contact laura@mrvrd.org with questions.
Trails Collaborative Partners
