Access to Outdoor Recreation by Public Transit in Vermont

Resources to access nature and recreational spaces without a personal vehicle.

Hanna Hartman

Spending time in nature in Vermont is often associated with remote forest trails, long car rides, and the rush to get there before the parking lot fills up. This mapping resource was created to show that it is possible to access nature and spaces of recreation in Vermont without a personal vehicle. I hope to help people explore their local trails and parks, as well as new adventures statewide. Access to nature is important because of the physical and mental benefits, as well as the connections to our local environments. This project was created during a Program Outreach internship at Vermont Clean Cities Coalition, funded by the Argonne National Laboratory. 

Transit Agencies

Trail Finders

Whether you are looking for a weekend hike, an afternoon stroll, or a new place to bike, paddle, ski, or ride, explore  Trail Finder 's growing database of four-season trails in Vermont and New Hampshire. Trail Finder is administered by the  Upper Valley Trail Alliance. 

CarShare Vermont

An easy and affordable alternative to owning a car in the Burlington area. Available to those 18+ who have a good record on a driver's license for 2+ years. A variety of vehicle types are available for rentals from 30 minutes to 10 days. Some even have bike and ski racks!

With inclusive rates, never pay for gas, EV charging, maintenance, roadside assistance, or insurance.  Learn more about memberships. 

Go! Vermont

A  trip planner  hub with all the travel options you need in Vermont including bus, train & ferry information, ridesharing, and community drivers.

Rail Trails

 Vermont’s Rail Trails  are four-season, multi-purpose recreation and transportation corridors across all parts of Vermont, connecting historic towns and villages with the treasures of the vast Vermont landscape by way of gently rolling, smooth ribbons of gravel pathways. Easy to access, use, and enjoy, Vermont’s Rail Trails have something for everyone.

Burlington Wildways

A partnership that connects and protects the wild places and paths of Burlington, Vermont. Working together, we can create a world-class shared trail network; conserve the rare plants and diverse animals that make their homes in the Queen City; and provide equitable and inviting access to our many natural areas for the benefit of all our city’s citizens and visitors.

EV Charging at Public Attractions

The  Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC)  provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures.

 Drive Electric Vermont:  Public charging helps out when you are on longer trips or don't have access to charging at home. Vermont has about 350 public charging locations and more are on the way. We are fortunate to have the highest per capita rate of public charging availability in the United States, so odds are good there is a location near where you want to be.

Accessibility

Whether you’re recovering from injury or you have a lasting mobility impairment, there are now many attractive outdoor destinations that are accessible to you around Vermont. In the last few years, collaborations among nonprofit organizations and local, state, and federal agencies have created boardwalks where you can easily see wetland wildlife; expanded rail trails skirt the shores of rivers and lakes, and most state parks have smooth, gently graded short interpretive trails.

Access to the Long Trail (Section & Thru-Hiking)

The public transportation options along the Long Trail are surprisingly plentiful. Public transportation is a great way to get to trails and not have to be limited to getting back to a car, which can be great for section hiking.  Find information on bus routes here.