East Branch Community Trails Mountain Biking Trails

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 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 travelers to access key points of the property and serve as the backbone of the larger trail system that is planned for the future.

BETA and KYC are now seeking funding for Phase 2 of trail construction on the property, which 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.

A phased approach was decided on for the design and construction of this trail system in order to create realistic goals for fundraising, construction and community acceptance.

Peduzzi Trail Contracting has produced a master plan for the property which includes approximately 5 miles of new trails, with a focus on mountain bike specific options. The climbing trail built in 2022 will eventually provide access to the six new trails segments below the power line, ranging from a beginner-friendly descending trail to intermediate flowing trails and more technical advanced trails as well as 2 new trails above the power line. To continue the “stacked loop” orientation of the trail system, the new trails are designed to be easiest at the bottom and will progress to more challenging higher in the system.

Implementation of one-way, mountain bike only trails will be engaging for mountain bikers while helping to avoid potential user conflict as the trail system continues to attract more riders, walkers and hikers. A skills park and pump track is also being planned for future phases, and will be located in the base area near the parking and pavilion.