VERMONT — An adaptive trail assessment occurred in Randolph, Vermont, on June 25, 2026, as part of the Velomont trail project's efforts to enhance accessibility. Contractors are also constructing a new ADA accessible hostel in downtown Randolph during the summer of 2026.

The Velomont is a 485-mile multi-use trail network in Vermont designed to connect 27 communities. The project includes huts and hostels for overnight stays, with a focus on making portions of the trail infrastructure accessible.

Angus McCusker, Velomont trail director with the nonprofit Vermont Huts and Trails, stated that considering adaptive riders is not a large challenge during construction or improvement. "For us, it's not a huge lift to just be mindful when we're trying to build trail or improve trail to think about the adaptive rider," McCusker said. Louis Arevalo from Essex Junction, Vermont, participated in the Randolph trail assessment. Arevalo, who uses an electric-powered recumbent-style three-wheeled adaptive mountain bike due to paralysis from a skiing accident six years prior, commented on the capabilities of such equipment. "Once you realize what these bikes are capable (of) or this equipment actually opens up, it kind of blows your mind," he said.

Two remote huts along the Velomont trail will feature locked sheds equipped with off-road wheelchairs. The Chittenden Brook Hut has already undergone modifications, including a new ramp and a wider driveway. McCusker described the potential experience for adaptive riders at the hut. "So if you're an adaptive rider, you can imagine rolling right up here and you can transfer to your chair that's available here, and then roll down the ramp and go down to the fireplace, to the privy, to make your meal," McCusker said.

Arevalo stayed at the Chittenden Brook Hut in the summer of 2025 with other adaptive riders. He described the experience, noting the presence of a babbling brook and the ease of access to the hut and surrounding trails. "There was a babbling brook right there…and it was really refreshing to have easy access to a beautifully built hut that was easy to navigate, and then have these world-class trails right out the door," Arevalo stated. He added, "And with these Velomont trails, I can actually plan a hut-to-hut trip with other people."

Jeff Alexander, director of strategic partnerships with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, emphasized the desire of the adaptive community for travel and recreation alongside others. "So the adaptive community has money, they travel, they want to travel and they want to play with everybody," Alexander said. He also stated the need to equalize opportunities. "We just need to level the playing field so that everyone can play together."