Accessible trails
Anna worked with the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council in 2025 to create three first-person stories about accessible outdoor spaces.
Edie Perkins has been an avid cyclist for many years. When an accident left her paralyzed from the chest down in 2017, she began handcycling. Since moving to Vermont in 2021, she’s come to love taking her handcycle out on the scenic trails she can access from her home in South Burlington, and sometimes ventures further afield. In this story, Edie talks about her love of handcycling on a visit to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail in Hyde Park.
A Moment of Zen While Handcycling
Finding Freedom Through Adaptive Kayaking
Derek Flint of West Topsham is a father of three, a lover of the outdoors, and almost completely blind. This summer, he and his family have been getting out in the water in kayaks as much as they can. Navigating boat launches can be difficult, but some places, like Green River Reservoir, have made them more accessible. In this story, Derek describes the sense of freedom he feels when he’s out on the water with his family.
Access to the Outdoors at Every Age
John and Judy Blackmer love spending time outdoors. Both native Vermonters, they have walked, hiked, biked, run, paddled, and skied for decades. Now that they’re both in their 90s, it’s harder to do the activities they enjoy – but they don’t let that stop them from getting outside. In this story, Judy and John talk about aging and visit Shelburne Farms, one of their favorite places to walk.