Darling Ridge at Kingdom Trails!

Thanks to the generosity of more than 740 donors, we are pleased to share that we have completed our fundraising campaign for the Darling Ridge project!

On December 18th, these donations were used to help Kingdom Trail Association purchase 271 acres on Darling Ridge, saving more than 7 miles of trails for public recreation and protecting streams, wetlands, forests and scenic open land along Darling Hill Road.

Thanks to all who helped to protect this Northeast Kingdom treasure!

Background:

The Kingdom Trail Association and the Vermont Land Trust are working to protect 260+ acres on Darling Hill in Lyndon for public recreation

Kingdom Trails is a network of over 100 miles of recreation trails on public and private land in Burke, Lyndon, Kirby and East Haven. These popular trails are a destination for mountain bikers, hikers, runners, Nordic skiers, fat bikers, and snowshoers.

In 2019, land on Darling Hill Road in the heart of the trail network went on the market. This land hosts seven miles of trails which wind through meadows, woods, and along the East Branch of the Passumpsic River as well as panoramic views that can be seen from the famous Heaven’s Bench overlook. With the land for sale, the future of the meadows and trails were at risk, as well as the rural character of Darling Hill Ridge.    

The Kingdom Trail Association (KTA) acted quickly to buy the 229-acre property with bridge financing. KTA also agreed to buy 40 neighboring acres to secure adjoining trails. Now, KTA is working with the Vermont Land Trust to make sure these properties will remain undeveloped and open to the public.  

Now we need to raise the money so that KTA can cover the cost of buying and conserving the land. Please consider a donation today. 

Why is this land special?

• Seven miles of trails the public can enjoy for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, Nordic skiing, fat biking, and exploration
• A one-mile segment of snowmobile trail and an important link in the VAST trail system
• Scenic and productive farmland on Darling Hill Ridge
• Healthy forests, streams, and wetlands that support wildlife

We couldn’t do it without you!

Despite these challenging times, we are thrilled to report that we have met our initial fundraising goal of $280,000! 

We are now trying to raise a final $50,000 for the Kingdom Trails’ Land Protection and Stewardship Fund.

Your donation will support KTA’s future care of this incredible land and the world-class recreation trails that invigorate people and communities.  

You can give online today, or if you prefer, please mail a check, with Kingdom Trails in the memo line to:

Vermont Land Trust
8 Bailey Ave
Montpelier, VT 05602

For more information, contact:

Abby Long, Kingdom Trail Association
(802) 626-0737

Liza Walker, Vermont Land Trust
(802) 262-1225

Thank you!!!