EAST BURKE — Kingdom Trails is highlighted as an international mountain biking destination in a new economic impact report, generating $10.3 million annually for the local economy.
The East Burke-based trail network attracts approximately 94,000 visitors each year who spend an average of $176 per day in the community, according to “Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking,” released this week by Trust for Public Land and the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Kingdom Trails serves as a model for rural communities looking to diversify their economies through outdoor recreation.
The success of the trail system has spurred the growth of local businesses including taverns, restaurants and inns in the area.
The report, which analyzes data from 50 recent studies across 13 states, notes that businesses in Vermont have used mountain biking as an employment recruitment tool, helping attract and retain workforce in rural areas.
