Summer in Full Swing!

Summer Camps Hit the Trail Again

As summer matured, the second session of Our Side of the Mountains had a wonderful week of exploring in nature. The Peaks and Rivers expedition paddled the Winooski River and hiked the Long Trail on a six-day trip, led by Roberto Pupiales and Sophie Jo Frandsen from Kroka Expeditions.

This week, we are hosting Bikes, Swimming Holes and Canoes, a two-week bikepacking and paddling expedition from Kroka. They are the first group to utilize the newly established Cloud Water Farm Campsite. We are looking forward to Wild Things camp next week!

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Clay Brook Bridge Update

We got a lot done in the past two weeks! MRP board member Jon Rickard and volunteers deconstructed the ramps and removed the railing and necessary decking. Jason Dunbar Excavation moved the bridge and restored the riverbank. Using the rubber-tired haul truck provided by Swan Sitework, the giant stones were moved from Riverside Park to the riverbank, minimizing the impact on the forest floor. Once the riverbank was restored, Vermont Techno Metal Post installed a helical pier foundation, and the bridge was moved back into place! The next steps in the work include Mad River Metalworks welding supports and braces, and extending the bridge frame by 20 feet. In the meantime, Jon, with the help of volunteers and MRP summer campers, is sorting through the pile of removed lumber, de-nailing and getting ready for decking, railing, and ramps. 

Riverside Park is re-opened! Thanks for your patience these last two weeks.

Thanks to 30 donors, we have reached a halfway fundraising mark, just as we have reached a halfway point in the construction process!

Please step up to help us raise the remaining $15,000 and complete the bridge!

Clay Brook Bridge Campaign Update

Thanks to our generous donors, we’re well on our way to saving the Clay Brook Bridge!

Jason Dunbar loads giant stones for the riverbank restoration into the specialized rubber-tracked haul truck provided by Swan Excavation.

The work has begun!

For the past two days, Jason Dunbar has been stabilizing the riverbank by carefully placing the giant stones. A specialized rubber-tracked haul truck is moving the stones from the Riverside Park parking lot to the bridge, minimizing the impact. We hope to begin installing the helical pier foundation by the end of the week.

Last week, with the help of 15 donors, we raised $4,000. That is a great start. Please help us raise the remaining $26,000 by making your donation now!

Why preserve the Clay Brook Bridge?

Sitting near the intersection of the Sugarbush Access Road and Rt 100, the Clay Brook Bridge acts as a crucial link between the town centers of Warren and Waitsfield. The bridge allows bikers and pedestrians to safely travel along the Route 100 corridor without being exposed to the dangerous traffic conditions at that intersection.

Now, the spring high water has shifted the river channel and undermined the south abutments to the point that a simple repair is no longer possible, putting us at immediate risk of losing this important bike and pedestrian bridge.

Thank you to our generous community for helping us preserve access to non-vehicular transportation and recreation opportunities. These are crucial pieces of infrastructure that support a vibrant and accessible Mad River Valley.

Urgent Community Request: Save the Clay Brook Bridge!

Erosion at the south abutment of the Clay Brook Bridge has undermined it significantly - now about to fall into the river.

We’re calling on our community to help save the Clay Brook Bridge!

The Kingsbury Greenway stretches from Riverside Park to Wabanaki Recreation Area in Warren. In 2025, the Mad River Path Implementation Committee designated this stretch of the path as the first section of the Active Transportation Corridor to be rebuilt for accessibility.

Through a grant from the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation and community fundraising, the committee raised over $40,000 to resurface the Path and stabilize the Clay Brook Bridge. We have hired Timber and Stone Trail Builders for the necessary accessibility improvements and Vermont Techno Metal Post for bridge stabilization.

In the meantime, the spring high water has shifted the river channel and undermined the south abutments to the point that a simple repair is no longer possible, putting us at immediate risk of losing this important bike and pedestrian bridge.  

Implementation Coordinator Jeff Doolittle has led an effort in the past weeks to create an engineering plan, obtain state permits, and hire contractors. We will stabilize the bank with carefully placed large stones, make a new helical pier abutment, and extend the bridge by 25 feet. This work will begin on July 13th.

WE NEED TO RAISE $30,000 IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS TO SAVE THE CLAY BROOK BRIDGE!

Learn more about the Kingsbury Greenway and Mad River Path Implementation →

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Kingsbury Bridge Mural with Mad River Valley Arts

The Kingsbury Greenway rehabilitation project has begun with a week-long mural painting under the Kingsbury Bridge. The beautiful mural was designed and executed by the Mad River Valley Arts students and staff during the class led by Allyson Biondo. In the words of MRVA director Samantha Talbot-Kelly, “The wall is a fusion of human/nature relationships – the big hands hold the soil for growth, the mural will flow with the River – the movement of the birds and other imagery will fly through the tunnel with the flow of the River.” Thank you, Mad River Valley Arts, for cooperating on this important public arts project! 

Alison Biondo and the Kingsbury Greenway underpass mural.

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Our Side of the Mountains Week 1: Great weather, even better company

Our Side of the Mountains had a great first week of adventure camp with ten capable students and an amazing stretch of weather. The abundant early summer rain kept the Mad River up, allowing us to paddle in our backyard.

Portaging canoes at Lareau Swim Hole

Etta, Iris, Bridgit and Maia enjoying the tranquility of the afternoon on the river.

Miles on belay

Oscar in the cave

Cold, foggy summit of Camel's Hump

Wiley getting ready to rappel down from the top of the cliff.

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New off-grid campsite at Cloud Water Farm

We are creating a back/bike-packer campsite along the Mad River Path at Cloud Water Farm. In May we installed a composting toilet at the site in collaboration with a Yestermorrow Design/Build School Basic Carpentry course, and with help from board member Jon Rickard and AmeriCorps Service Member Abby Bell.

Abby Bell (L) and Jon Rickard (R) at the new composting toilet, built in partnership with Yestermorrow Design/Build School.

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Mad River Trails Alliance: The Future of Valley Connectivity

The joining together of the Mad River Path and Mad River Riders is well underway. The work of creating a new organization takes place in work groups comprised of board members from both organizations. The work groups report to the merger committee. The committee recommends decisions to both boards for a vote. While sometimes tedious, this process ensures that everyone’s voices are heard. The new organization is called MAD RIVER TRAILS ALLIANCE, or MRTA, and its mission is: 

“We build and steward a vibrant and diverse trail system that connects our communities, supports a thriving economy, encourages outdoor recreation, and fosters appreciation for the natural world.”

Recently, both boards came together to develop a shared vision and values. A set of bylaws is being reviewed by an attorney. The new organization will be a chapter of VMBA (Vermont Mountain Bike Association) with membership options for biking and non-biking trail users. A new board will have an equal representation from both the Path and the Riders. An already strong trails committee will become more effective with the addition of a year-round Stewardship Coordinator staff position. The current names will be commemorated. The Mad River Path will become the name of the valley floor active transportation corridor connecting the villages, while Mad River Riders will continue on as the name for the youth riding programs the organization will offer.

We will have more updates throughout the year as the merger progresses. Thank you for your continued support of human-powered transportation and sustainable recreation!

-Mad River Trails Alliance Team and Merger Committee 

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Only a few spots left in summer adventure programs!

The sun is out, and our summer adventures are filling up fast! We have just a couple of spaces left in our youth and family camps - don’t miss your chance to give your family or child the outdoor experience of a lifetime, building greater connections to the natural spaces around us and to each other.

• Our Side of the Mountains day camp week 1, June 22 - 26 : FULL

• Our Side of the Mountains day camp week 2, July 6 - 10 : 2 spots left

• Peaks and Rivers overnight camp, July 12 - 17: FULL

• The Wild Things overnight camp, July 27 - 31: FULL

• Canadian family canoe trip: Limited availability, please reach out to misha@madriverpath.org to inquire.

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Community canoe and e-bike lending

A reminder as the days get longer that Mad River Path has a couple of community resources for getting outside and engaging in non-vehicular travel or recreation.

• Our canoe lending program allows you to borrow canoes for the day, weekend, school program, or other purpose. Read more about canoe lending on our website.

• E-assist bikes are a great way to get around the valley, as they help you to get up our steep hills with a reasonable effort. They are a legitimate 3-season transportation with a formidable and convenient cargo-carrying capacity. They are a lot less expensive to own compared to cars, take up less space on the road, and you get to exercise and slow down while getting to your destinations! Community members are invited to borrow e-cargo bikes managed by the Mad River Path. You can take a bike for a spin, for a day, or sign it out for several days, to see if it fits!

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Mad River Path merch is here!

The Custom Burrow hoodie is the flagship product of Thuja, a local outdoor clothing company based in Williston. This high-quality, warm garment is made from 93% recycled polyester and 7% spandex and designed for the outdoors. It features an embroidered MRP logo on the front and our “Connecting Communities through Human-Powered Transportation” tagline on the sleeve.

Hoodies are $150 each. We have a sample hoodie in size 6 available at the Wait House; feel free to stop by to check it out and try it on. You can pay at pick-up with cash, card, check, or Venmo. Represent your local trails organization while staying comfortable on your next outdoor adventure!

Click here to order!

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Bushcraft & Friction Fire Workshop

Bushcraft & Friction Fire Skills with Dug North

Sat, Jun 27, 10 am - 4 pm, Roxbury, VT

Learn how to start a fire from scratch using bow drill techniques with Dug North of the History Channel show, ALONE. If you have ever wondered how people create fire by "rubbing sticks together" this class is for you. Even if you have never used a knife before you will learn everything you need to know to create fire with friction using the bow drill method.

You will learn to use a knife safely, how to prepare and start a campfire, a few essential knots, and all the steps to make and use a bow drill set to create fire.

Students will leave with their own bow drill set and the knowledge to use it. No prior knowledge is required. All tools and materials are provided.

Meet Our New Implementation Coordinator, Jeff!

Summer adventures are just around the corner!

Our camps are filling up, and we just have a few spots left for summer adventures! In addition to day and overnight programs for youth, Mad River Path leads an all-ages family canoepacking trip each summer in Quebec.

The Ashuapmushuan River trip is a unique opportunity to explore a remote and pristine wilderness, canoeing down the river by day and sleeping under the stars at night. Led by experienced guides, you’ll learn the tips and tricks for planning the next trip for yourself or your family.

You’ll learn wilderness and canoeing skills, while creating closer bonds with yourself, nature, and those around you. Click the button below to read more and get in touch with any questions.

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Please help us welcome Jeff Doolittle as our new Implementation Coordinator!

We’re thrilled to have Jeff Doolittle on board as our Implementation Coordinator, who will work on funding and advocacy for the Mad River Path. Beginning with the Kingsbury Greenway, Jeff will coordinate the connections between existing segments of the Path.

Jeff joined the Mad River Path as Implementation Coordinator in May 2026.  He has been coming to the Mad River Valley to ski at Mad River Glen, hike the many trails, swim in the river and enjoy the area for 40 years, and he and his wife recently relocated from Connecticut to the Valley full-time. As an engineer for more than 34 years he worked on many projects that included new and improved bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and he realized how much these benefit communities.  He fully embraces active transportation projects and is excited to work on improving and completing the Mad River Path. 

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Attitude of Gratitude Kickoff Event

Thursday, June 11, 6 pm at Big Picture

You are invited to the Attitude of Gratitude kick-off event at 6 PM on Thursday, June 11, at the Big Picture Theater!

Attitude of Gratitude for the Mad River Valley is a project of Conservation and Recreation Visioning (CRV), which includes 15 conservation and recreation organizations, culminating over three years of collaboration. The project comprises a Film, Recreational Ethics Principles, an Attitude of Gratitude Pledge, and activity-specific outdoor ethics guidelines.

During the event, we will watch the film, meet volunteer actors, sign the gratitude pledge, and celebrate the Valley's collaborative spirit and outstanding recreation and conservation landscape.

Food and refreshments will be provided. The event is free and appropriate for all ages; donations are accepted at the door.

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GMVS 2026 Service Day

This past Friday, we were excited to welcome students from Green Mountain Valley School for their annual day of service. Students split into small groups and worked on trail projects along the path, including installing a new boardwalk on Mill Brook Trail, a new kiosk at the Tremblay Pines picnic area, and new steps at West Greenway.

My group, consisting of two 11th-graders, their advisor, and I, spent the day at Yestermorrow Path and Loop making it more accessible and easy to navigate. The students were incredibly hardworking and eager to help, moving quickly from project to project without complaint as we installed a new water bar, cleared and moved several downed trees, raked sections of the path, and added new wayfinding signs to improve navigation for trail users.

One of the highlights of the day was spotting a barred owl along the trail. Both students in my group were international students and had never seen an owl in the wild before, which made the moment especially memorable. Throughout the day, we spent time talking about the surrounding forest and ecosystem, and one of the students later shared how much she appreciated learning about nature while working outside. Moments like these are a wonderful reminder of the Path’s mission to connect people with each other, their community, and the natural world around them. 

We are deeply grateful to everyone from GMVS who joined us for another great service day!

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MRV Wellbeing Survey

MRP Wins $600,000 Transportation Alternatives Grant!

Mad River Path Wins $600,000 Transportation Alternatives Grant for Millbrook Trail Extension

Thanks to a generour VTrans Transportation Alternatives grant, construction will begin on a 50 foot bike/pedestrian bridge and 500 feet of shared-use path between Millbrook bridge and Dugway Road.

This new bridge and path will provide needed safe and accessible bike and pedestrian transportation between businesses in downtown Waitsfield and key recreational sites by providing connectivity between existing paths in Waitsfield.

This project will involve:

1. Construction of 100 feet of shared-use path from existing Austin Walk trail to the southern end of bridge

2. Construction of a 50 foot bike/pedestrian bridge over Mill Brook paralleling Route 100’s bridge

3. Construction of 400 feet of shared-use path from the northern end of the bridge to Dugway Road

The need for this project was formally recognized in the Active Transportation Corridor Scoping Study, which received VTrans approval in 2025. Both paths and bridge will be built at the ADA standard. Thank you to VTrans for their continued support of the Mad River Path!

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MRP Implementation Coordinator

Mad River Path is looking for an Implementation Coordinator to help build what the Mad River Valley has been working toward for decades: a safe, connected, off-road path linking every village from Warren to Middlesex.

This is a part-time, 20-hour-per-week, year-round position. The work spans grant writing, permitting, landowner easements, agency coordination, and project management. You will work alongside a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. When the path is built, you will have helped make it happen.

Up to $35/hour plus a modest health care contribution. [Remote/hybrid details TBD.]

To apply: Please send a letter of interest and a resume to info@madriverpath.org. The interview process will start on April 13th. The deadline to submit applications is April 10th, and the projected start date is May 4th.

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One Week Away From the Mad River Triathlon!

We are less than a week away from an awesome day of welcoming Spring with our community. There’s still time to register, sign up to volunteer, or just come out to support your friends and local organizations. Don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets - we have a stacked lineup of raffle and silent auction prizes!

Three Mountain Cafe opens early on Sunday:

Following a brief mud season break, Three Mountain Cafe will open early at 7 am on Sunday, April 12th! Stop in to support a local business and fuel up for a day of fun!

Discounted Sauna Hour at Savu:

Savu Sauna at Madbush Falls is offering 20% off private sauna sessions for participants and their friends and families from 4/12-4/17 using the code MRTri20!

Use this private booking link for the 4-5 pm community session. 

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Triathlon Sponsor Shoutout: VHB

Not only is VHB one of our rockstar returning sponsros, they are a foundational partner for many of the presenting organizations. The Mad River Path works closely with VHB on the scoping study and implementation plan for the Path, ensuring that our infrastructure is sustainable, resilient, and accessible.

Thank you to VHB for supporting community connection at the Triathlon! As you see the runners, bikers, paddlers, and skiers navigate the trails and pathways, know that VHB had a hand in making all these pathways possible.

See you out on the course!

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Warren School Bike & Boat Sale - April 11

Need some last-minute gear for the Triathlon? The Warren School is having a bike, boat, and spring sports equipment sale on Saturday, April 11 from 9 am to 1 pm.

We're Hiring!

MRP Implementation Coordinator

Mad River Path is looking for an Implementation Coordinator to help build what the Mad River Valley has been working toward for decades: a safe, connected, off-road path linking every village from Warren to Middlesex.

This is a part-time, 20-hour-per-week, year-round position. The work spans grant writing, permitting, landowner easements, agency coordination, and project management. You will work alongside a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. When the path is built, you will have helped make it happen.

Up to $35/hour plus a modest health care contribution. [Remote/hybrid details TBD.]

To apply: Please send a letter of interest and a resume to info@madriverpath.org. The interview process will start on April 13th. The deadline to submit applications is April 10th, and the projected start date is May 4th.

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Triathlon Sponsor Shoutout: National Life Group

Our next triathlon sponsor shoutout goes to National Life Group!

National Life is, in their own words, a mission-driven and purpose-filled business. We’ve seen them walk that walk in support of many local organizations and causes, promoting greater connections between our vibrant communities. We are thrilled to welcome them as a major triathlon sponsor this year.

Thank you to National Life for your support of this exciting event in service to our Mad River Valley community and natural resources.

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Calling all Mad River Triathlon volunteers!

Each year, the Mad River Triathlon relies on the generous help of over 80 volunteers from our community. Help us make this year’s Triathlon the best one yet and sign up for a volunteer slot along the way. We have slots for packet pickup the Saturday before the race, staffing aid stations, facilitating the raffle, and more!

Thank you volunteers!

A Week in the Chic-Chocs by Dori Ross

by Dori Ross, 2026 Canadian Backcountry Ski Trip Member

And so it goes that a small group of adventurous Vermonters (and one Ohian) showed me my remote backyard in the Chic Chocs of Quebec. They showed me what I didn’t know. That I didn’t know what Sépaq* meant (the name for Quebec’s extensive provincial park system) and they shared so much more than that.

It was mid February 2026. My gear was prepared and packed. I knew what I was about to experience. I had ski toured into Skoki Lodge in the Rockies the prior season. I now had shiny, new backcountry skis with fish scales and full-length skins, T4 Scarpa tele boots just sized up a half size to accommodate my blacked toenails. Don’t ask. I had my telescopic poles and a 35L knapsack full of foul weather layers. I was prepared.

Or so I thought.

I was not prepared for the incredible, warm, intelligent leadership of our guides. I was not prepared for the camaraderie and friendships that would develop as we read poetry, sang songs, shared stories, played games, shared home-cooked delectable meals, and skied and skied and skied.

I was not prepared for the warmth that would radiate from the woodstove throughout the remote cabins – Le Pluvier and La Mésange where we hunkered down for two nights each. I would learn the meaning of a ‘pee-tree’ and how to prepare the cabin and surrounding area before entering. I would learn map reading, compass skills, weather instincts, and how to melt snow for survival.

I was not prepared for the winter beauty of the Chic Chocs even though I have been there hiking several times. I wasn’t prepared for the stretches of untracked snow across untouched lakes, billowing pillows of snow drooping from trees like giant mushrooms. The beauty of champagne powder heaped upon a precarious roof of our high altitude cabin where the only footprints were those of a moose or several moose. I wasn’t prepared for dodging moose scat to avoid damaging my ski skins. 

I wasn’t prepared for sharing a remote experience that I really can’t describe. All I can do is warn anyone reading this piece to prepare themselves for an indescribable adventure and only if they are lucky enough to follow Misha and Lynne into the remote, endless snow expanses of my backyard in the Chic Chocs.

Dori Ross raised her family in the Mad River Valley. She now lives in Montreal.

p.s. Our next Canadian expedition is open for registration! This summer, we’ll take a group of families canoepacking down the Ashuapmushuan River in Quebec, exploring the natural wonders while learning the necessary skills for future excursions.

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Calling all Massholes!

If you ski in a Drake Maye jersey, are on a first name basis with the servers at Dunks, refer to something fun as “wicked pissah”, or drive a vehicle with one of those godforsaken white license plates, have we got a springtime event for you! For a limited time only, our friends from Massachusetts will receive a 15% discount on registration for the 2026 Mad River Triathlon. Just use the coupon code ‘masshole’ at checkout.

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Shoutout to our Triathlon Sponsor: Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Lawson’s Finest Liquids has been a great partner over the years, as one of the several downtown businesses connected by the Heart of the Valley boardwalk. We are grateful for their continued support of the Mad River Triathlon!

Lawson’s will be at our Triathlon after-party to celebrate with us, so make sure you stop by the finish line at Mount Ellen to enjoy a cold beverage after your hard work.

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Thank you for your support!

Thanks to over 200 donors, we exceeded our goal for our annual giving campaign. We are so thankful to our community and partners for your support of accessible, sustainable, and resilient pathways.

Please follow along with the progress of the implementation of the Mad River Path scoping study! We have some exciting things planned for 2026, starting with hiring an Implementation Coordinator and beginning upgrades on the Kingsbury Greenway section of the Path.

Winter News from the Mad River Path

It’s been a wonderfully busy Winter at the Mad River Path. We have many projects in the works, all in service of connecting our communities through sustainable, accessible outdoor recreation and human-powered transportation.

Path implementation committee

The newly formed five-town Path Implementation Committee recently divided into sub-groups and got to work. The Engineering Group designed a pedestrian crossing of Mill Brook, and applied for a VTrans Transportation Alternatives grant. If funded (we will hear back at the end of March) the project will connect Austin Walk with Fiddlers Walk. The Socio-Economic Study Group began preparing for a limited-scope trail recreation study for the 2026 season; the study will combine the information from the trail counters with a survey conducted by volunteers on busy trail weekends. The Landowner Group has engaged in conversation with several path landowners, while the State and Municipal Group has been preparing for an important active transportation corridor stakeholder meeting coming up in March at the state house.

Kingsbury Greenway

The Implementation Committee designated the Kingsbury Greenway section of the Path as our first implementation project for 2026, from Riverside Park to the Wabanaki Recreational Area. Over the Summer and Fall the Path here will undergo a major upgrade: widening and surfacing to meet the adaptive standards, and rerouting to bypass the stairs (thank you Warren Lodge for supporting the easement amendment). The project will also include stabilizing and resurfacing Clay Brook Bridge, new way-finding signage, and replacing the graffiti under the bridge with a mural in partnership with Mad River Arts. The work will be led by L&D Trailworks with support from community volunteers.

Also underway this year is a primitive campsite project for bike-packers and Long Trail hikers staying overnight in the Valley. The walk- or bike-in campsite will consist of a tent platform, a fire ring, and a compost toilet, and will be located along the path at Cloud Water Farm. This project is done in collaboration with Yestermorrow Design/Build School and Cloud Water Farm

Implementation Coordinator Position

Moving from scoping to the implementation of the Path, the committee recognized that this major infrastructure project requires staff capacity well beyond what volunteers, and the small Path team can accomplish. We did not want our scoping study to collect dust, so working together with the towns of Warren and Waitsfield, we developed a concept of a part-time (20 hours per week) Path Implementation Coordinator. This position, funded through public-private partnership (1/3 MRP, 1/3 Warren, 1/3 Waitsfield) will focus 100% of their time on grant writing, permitting, and admin support to the committee and the Executive Director, continuing the momentum and moving the project along one step at a time.

Both Warren and Waitsfield have the funding for the Implementation Coordinator on the ballot for Town Meeting Day. This relatively small investment of $15,000 from each of the partners will yield a path that will generate millions in direct and indirect economic benefits for years to come. Please come voice your support for this measure on Tuesday, March 3rd at your local town meeting.

mad river triathlon

The Mad River Triathlon team has been busy getting ready for our annual event, bringing together the Path, Riders, Backcountry Coalition, and the Friends of the Mad River. 2026 improvements include our own custom and reusable Triathlon bibs and reusable beer cups for use at Mount Ellen celebration. We are exited to welcome many sustaining and new sponsors to the event including Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Red Hen Bakery, VHB, Waitsfield Telecom, Creative Micro Systems, National Life Group, Bicycle Express, MadBush Falls, Kroka Expeditions, Julbo, Sugarbush, Icelantic, Blueberry Lake XC Ski, Green Mountain Transit, and Thuja.

organizational updates

• Our communication specialist Sarah Johnson completed the transition to a new data and relationship management system. 

• In January we welcomed Abby Bell as our first year-round AmeriCorps service member. Abby has been warmly welcomed by co-workers at the Wait House and by the larger community. She’s been busy keeping the Heart of the Vally boardwalk cleared, assisting with preparations for summer programs, researching recreational trail ethics, and supporting the myriad path projects, adding to our organizational capacity. 

• Last Fall, we received a generous gift from a summer camp family. This gift allowed us to establish a modest scholarship endowment with the VT Community Foundation. The interest from the endowment will provide an annual scholarship in perpetuity for a participant in the Mad River Path Adventures, removing financial barriers to participation.

• Soon we will have a new map of the Mad River Path, thanks to our team and graphic desinger Kristen Neilson. Even though the path between Warren and Waitsfield is not yet continuous, one can travel the entire route by bike, and this new interpretive map will help riders to find the scenic route between the two villages.

Working together with the mad river riders

Since September, the Mad River Path and Mad River Riders have been exploring the possibility of joining as one trail recreation organization in the Mad River Valley. 

Mad River Riders and Mad River Path have a shared vision for a world-class trail system that links our natural recreational spaces with our schools, villages, and businesses. Both groups work toward a welcoming valley, where people of all backgrounds and abilities can enjoy healthy recreation, immerse themselves in nature, make friends, and build community. Likewise, both groups believe that the sustainable future of the MRV lies in the thoughtful and intentional growth of the four-season recreational economy.

Last November, we received a grant from the VT Community Foundation. This grant allowed us to hire an organizational consultant and retain a corporate attorney. Throughout the Winter we held multiple group meetings and visited neighboring trail networks including Slate Valley Trails, Ridgeline Collective, Stowe Trails Partnership, and Kingdom Trails, learning how other communities benefit from joining all trail users — bikers, dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, snowshoers, birdwatchers, and others — in one recreation organization.

Our efforts have been supported by the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, a parent organization of MRR. Throughout the 2026 trail season we will broaden our cooperation on maintenance, summer camps, and future planning. Our plan is to join together by the end of 2026 with the many details still being developed in board committees.

Thank you for being part of our community, and we hope to see you out on the Path soon.

Sincerely,

Misha Golfman

Executive Director, MRPA

Abby's First Week Reflections

Abby reflects on her first week as Community and Trail Steward for the Mad River Path

Abby got straight into the field in her first week, snow blowing the Heart of the Valley boardwalk.

Hi! My name is Abby, and I recently began serving as the Community and Trail Steward for Mad River Path through VHCB AmeriCorps.

In this role, I help coordinate community events, assist with trail maintenance projects, support education programs, and everything in between. I am a graduate of the Rubenstein School at UVM with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, and I am passionate about environmental conservation and equitable access to nature. With experience in nature-based childcare and park maintenance, I’m excited to bring a people-centered and hands-on approach to connecting the community with local trails and each other.

During my first week with Mad River Path, I spent a lot of time learning the various aspects of my role and jumping head-first into the nonprofit world. While there was a lot of new information to take in, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and observe how things operate. I’ve loved meeting so many great people and getting a firsthand look at how community-driven and truly unique the Mad River Valley is. My week included attending lots of meetings, tackling registration for summer camps and the Mad River Triathlon, helping develop pages for the Attitude of Gratitude website, and snowblowing the path. My favorite part was being able to get outside and explore sections of the path—despite needing snowshoes and lots of layers to do it! I was also able to ski at Mad River Glen for the first time thanks to their generosity in getting me a free mid-week pass. I already feel connected to the strong sense of place and community here, and I’m excited to continue learning and getting things done.

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How to train for the Mad River Triathlon: a short film

Now is the time to start your triathlon planning! It’s never to early to start training, and it’s never to early to lock in your registration. Not only will you get the best prices before they increase closer to the event, but you can add team members or switch categories down the line without penalty.

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Don’t wait - Mad River Path Summer Camps are filling up!

Our Mad River Path Adventures are starting to fill up for the summer! Register now and give your child the gift of a week of living in connection with nature and each other. In our summer camps we put down our devices and pick up a paddle, to push our comfort zones and build leadership and wilderness skills.

Whether a day camp is the right fit, or you’re ready to jump into an overnight experience, we have a camp for you! All adventurers ages 9 - 15 are welcome, and we offer sliding scale tuition and scholarships to ensure that no one is turned away.

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Is a family excursion more your style?

Join Misha and Lynne on our annual summer family canoe trip on the Ashuapmushuan River in Quebec.

On this trip, we will explore the upper reaches of the river, characterized by beautiful lakes connected by stretches of moving water and class I – II rapids. You will experience the Northern wilderness, largely unchanged by humans. We will pick berries and mushrooms, fish for Northern Pike and Walleye, and fall asleep to the howl of a wolf. We will follow an ancient migration water route that connected Hudson Bay and St. Lawrence, dating back thousands of years. This trip is an accessible introduction to traditional canoe camping and will touch the soul of both the beginner and the experienced adventurer.