LINCOLN SPORTS IS in the process of developing a multi-use trail network, which will include an ADA-accessible boardwalk trails for hiking, mountain biking and skiing. This draft map shows what the trail system could look like once complete.
Photo courtesy of Christie Sumner

LINCOLN — Lincoln Sports is working to create more opportunities for 5-Town residents to enjoy the natural landscape.

The nonprofit, which aims to serve the local community by providing accessible recreational and outdoor experiences in and around Lincoln, has kicked off a project that will develop a multi-use trail system on the 55 acres of land the organization owns at 34 Gove Hill Road.

Lincoln Sports is aiming to have the trail network open for public use in 2026. Once complete, the network will include an ADA-accessible boardwalk system and trails for skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking.

The trail network will be located in the Lincoln Sports forest, situated on a hillside nearby the village, and connected to various existing Lincoln Sports facilities. The forest was once home to a ski-tow and trails developed by Lincoln Sports in the 1960s, as well as hiking trails, many of which have since fallen into disuse.

“I personally am excited that we’re using our property in a more, fuller way,” said Christie Sumner, a member of the Lincoln Sports Board of Directors. “Mostly over the last several years everything has happened on the sports field behind the firehouse, so it’s nice to be able to use the property as it was first thought of, as a ski trail.”

She noted the nonprofit has benefited from having a full, robust board over the past few years, which has enabled the project to come to fruition.

“It kind of came to it that people wanted to do it and jumped in,” Sumner said.

The project will revitalize the existing trail system and create new features on the Gove Hill property. Lincoln Sports plans to develop and maintain 13,000 feet of trails suitable for mountain biking, hiking, skiing and snowshoeing; build and maintain 1,200 feet of ADA-complaint trail, including sections of raised wooden boardwalk that will connect facilities on Lincoln Sports’ land and allow everyone to access the land; and update infrastructure that supports the trail network with an informational kiosk and new signs.

Part of the project will also include installing gravel parking lots, an effort supported by a portion of Lincoln’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“There isn’t a lot of parking at the lower field and it’s always crazy during Little League and things like that, so we’ll be working on that as well,” Sumner said.

LOVE FOR OUTDOORS

Lincoln Sports has outlined a few commitments for the project, which are:

• Creating outdoor access opportunities for the whole community that continue to promote love for the outdoors and moments for intergenerational exchange.
• Being collaborative and communicative throughout the process to ensure all members of the Lincoln community feel they have a voice in the process.
• Respectfully building trail systems that take into account the native plants and wildlife on the property.

Work toward the project has so far included developing a forest management plan for the Lincoln Sports property with Long View Forestry and selecting L&D Trailworks to build the trails.

The nonprofit has also worked with grant writer and consultant Katie Sparks to apply for funding. Lincoln Sports this spring received a $221,500 grant from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative Community Grant Program to support the effort

Sumner said during planning the board has worked to engage the community through Front Porch Forum posts, flyers and walks on the property with a forester.

“Currently, we are gathering thoughts on the ADA trail from community members who may not be sports minded, but will appreciate easier access to the property,” she said.

According to a preliminary timeline, work for the remainder of this year is expected to include a survey of the property, a wildlife assessment with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, parking areas and finalizing the trail design.

Construction on the ADA boardwalk and multi-use trail is expected to take place in 2025, along with kiosk and signage and development. The nonprofit hopes to complete construction and open the trail system to the public in 2026.

Those interested in learning more about the project can head online to lincolnsports.org/trails.