This collaborative presentation features the Cross Vermont Trail, Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. It explores how cross-state partnerships transform a patchwork of rail trails, recreation paths, and on-road segments into a connected long-distance recreation network. The session highlights collaboration across organizations, user groups, and state agencies, including motorized and non-motorized stakeholders, and shares lessons in building shared vision, overcoming challenges, and advancing rural economic development through outdoor recreation.
Learning Objectives:
Describe how cross-state trail partnerships connect fragmented recreation infrastructure into regional networks.
Identify key stakeholders involved in developing multi-use rail trail and recreation corridors.
Summarize strategies used to overcome challenges in building long-distance trail connectivity.
Presenters:
Marianne Borowski, NH Co-Chair of the Twin State Rail Trail Project, President and Founder of the Cross NH Adventure Trail
Marianne Borowski is a retired biochemist, lifelong cyclist, and trail advocate based in New Hampshire. Inspired by the Cross Vermont Trail, she founded the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail in 2017, creating a long-distance route that links rail trails, recreation paths, and backroads. Marianne serves as New Hampshire Co-Chair of the Twin State Rail Trail project and is Vice President of the New Hampshire Rail Trails Coalition. Her work focuses on building partnerships across organizations, user groups, and state lines to improve trail connectivity and support rural economic development through outdoor recreation. She has biked rail trails in 49 states.
Mike O’Hara, Trail Advocate and VAST Representative, Lamiolle Valley Rail Trail
Mike O'Hara is a longtime advocate for Vermont's recreational trails and multi-use trail development. A resident of St. Johnsbury Center, Vermont, Mike shares his life with Elaine, his wife of 38 years. He is the proud father of Chantal and "Papa" to granddaughter Madelyn. Mike previously served as Vice President of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) and President of the Waterford Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. His involvement with the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail dates back to the early 2000s, when he was invited by its first Chair, Ted Chase, to serve on the original Steering Committee, a role he held until 2015. Today, Mike continues his commitment to trail development as a VAST representative on the NEK+LVRT Committee. He is also actively involved with the Twin State Rail Trail Committee, working to transform 21 miles of the former Twin State Railroad corridor into a multi-use transportation and recreation trail. Through decades of volunteer leadership and collaboration, Mike has helped advance a vision of connected trails that serve a wide range of recreational users and communities.
Michael Thomas, Board Chair, Cross Vermont Trail Association
Michael Thomas is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast who grew up exploring the hills and woods of Vermont, inspired by his father, who first introduced him to the joys of the outdoors. A founding member of the Cross Vermont Trail Association in 1992, Michael continues to serve the organization as its Board Chair. He has also been a member of the Newbury Conservation Commission for over 30 years and currently serves as its Chair. In addition, he is a Trustee of the Village of Wells River, located along the Connecticut River on the Vermont–New Hampshire border. Michael's passion for the outdoors extends beyond his own adventures. He is equally enthusiastic about encouraging others to get outside, explore, and enjoy the natural world.