A press conference at Middlebury's scenic Marbleworks Green was held June 2, 2009 to announce some exciting developments in the Trail Finder project. Launched in 2008 in Chittenden County, the free online mapping resource has now tripled its geographic area to include Addison and Grand Isle counties. Local partners were on hand to lend strong support for the project.

Over three years in development with 70 volunteers, the Trail Finder now covers 100 walking, biking, hiking, mountain biking and skiing trails in western Vermont. Residents and visitors can get maps and directions, learn about the trails' features, see photos and submit comments.

The Trail Finder is a partnership between 60 towns, trail groups, tourism entities and regional planning organizations. Trail managers have helped provide data and have special access to the Trail Finder's "back end" to update information instantly.

Phase III Expansion

With trails in Addison and Grand Isle Counties completed, an ambitious Phase III expansion is in the works. Partnering with regional trail groups around the state, data will be collected for Rutland, Washington, Orange and Windsor counties with our partners – Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission and the Upper Valley Trails Alliance. Upon completion of Phase III, the Trail Finder will include 250 trails within 7 of Vermont’s 14 counties (representing 64% of the state’s population). Since trails can be easily searched for and sorted by use, people can easily find an outdoor adventure perfectly suited for their style of recreation and exercise. The interface is user-friendly and attractive. Using it is fun! Try it today at www.localmotion.org/trails.

Skirack is the Trail Finder's 2009 underwriting sponsor. The Trail Finder has also been funded by Vermont Recreation Trails Program, Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization and Local Motion members.