We have a fundraising goal of $25,000!
The East Branch Community Trails is a new multi-use, non-motorized trail system in the Town of Keene.
The trails are located on county reforestation lands owned by Essex County on Route 9N along the Keene-Jay town line. The project is the result of a partnership between the Town of Keene, Keene Youth Commission and Barkeater Trails Alliance, who worked with Peduzzi Trail Contracting in 2021 to develop a concept plan for a new trail system and pump track system along with a phased approach to trail development.
Phase 1
Phase 1 was completed in September, 2022, and included over 2 miles of new multi-use trails. The project was "kickstarted" with $50,000 in funding provided by BETA's Sterling Watchorn Trail Fund and a matching grant of $25,000 from the Stewart's Shops and Dake Family Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, along with over $10,000 in grassroots donations. These new trails allow hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and non-motorized winter travel to access key points of the property and serve as the backbone of the larger trail system that is planned for the future.
Phase 2
With your help, we have successfully met our fundraising goal of $30,000! Phase 2 of trail construction on the property is in progress and anticipated to be completed this fall. Phase 2 will expand on the success of the multi-use trails, and will feature a new 3/4 mile, machine-built, mountain bike specific trail. The new trail will be fun for beginners and rippers alike and will serve as base line that brings riders back to the Leepoff Loop without riding down the climbing trail. See the overview map below depicting the trail that is planned for Phase 2 (labeled with a "1" and highlighted), along with the other trails planned for future phases.
Phase 3
We are now seeking funding for construction of a pump track and additional trails for Phase 3. Our plan for Phase 3 of the East Branch project is to construct a pump track, along with a ¾ mile downhill trail that builds progression into the system and complements the existing trails to provide additional opportunities for skills development and enduro-style riding. Donations received will be allocated to projects in 2024. Thank you for your continued support! We are so excited to share these trails with our community.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this project thus far - and thank you to our local Project Sponsors and Community Partners.
The BETA Trail Crew worked alongside Peduzzi Trail Contracting and dozens of volunteers to complete work on Phase 1 in 2022.
The ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the Phase 1 trails was in September of 2022. To read more about Phase 1 and the earliest stages of planning, construction and stewardship, please visit: www.betatrails.org/keene !
THANK YOU!