In the first week of November (Nov. 1 thru Nov. 5, 2007 to be exact), the Vermont Expedition Society (VTXS) will be undertaking a never before attempted expedition traversing the length of Vermont from north to south utilizing almost entirely Class IV Roads (unmaintained public roads).  It’s a fairly well-kept secret, but, like many places in the western US, Vermont is riddled with unmaintained, but legally accessible by motor vehicle, roads and trails.  In fact, the Vermont Department of Transportation maintains a well-organized website with links to town road maps for every town in the state.  VTXS has utilized this site and the maps thereon to plan a route consisting wherever possible of Class IV roads and legal trails right through the central portion of the state.  The goal of the expedition will be to drive at least one class IV road stretch in each and every town we drive through.  This is a substantial undertaking given there are over 33 towns to cover in just four days. 

The general plan is for the eight VTXS expedition members to meet in Quebec at our chosen rendezvous point the night of November 1, 2007.   Once into Vermont, we will drive from dawn till dusk each day for four days to complete the expedition.  We will camp in the field out of our vehicles at pre-scouted locations each night.  We have made the decision that, due to the time constraints involved, if there is a major breakdown that cannot be repaired at night during the stops, that expedition member must abandon so that the expedition may keep moving.  We will have one support member available via ham radio and cell phone to aid any abandoning members. 

The Vermont Expedition Society Trans-Vermont Expedition (TVTX) comes on the heels of recent legislation passed in Vermont enabling all towns in the state to recognize and enforce any of their so-called “ancient highways” on or before July 1, 2009 without paying any landowner damages.  Many Vermont ancient byways remain legal public rights of way, but, due to lack of use and maintenance, a vast number of these original roads have grown over and have long been forgotten.   The ancient highways legislation, also referred to as the Unidentified Corridor statute, will prompt many towns to research these ancient roads and trails to include them on the town road maps filed with the state each year.  With pedestrian, equestrian and mechanized recreation, both summer and winter, growing each year in the state of Vermont, the ancient roads legislation was seen as a tremendous step forward for all back country enthusiasts.  Unlike the majority of the Northeast, where unmaintained public roads have all but disappeared, Vermont looks to very much follow the western trend of protecting access points and corridors for the sake of safe and responsible recreation. 

VTXS’ TVTX is a celebration of the ancient roads movement and a way of showcasing how properly prepared and responsible 4x4 motor vehicle use on our backcountry byways is a viable use, not only for Vermonters to enjoy, but also for the visitors to this lovely state.