What About Liability?

Liability for accidents on the Catamount Trail is not affected by the presence of a trail easement. Vermont has strengthened its laws over the years to protect private landowners who open their lands to public recreation from being liable in the event that someone is injured while recreating on private land.

In addition, because the Catamount Trail is a part of the Vermont Trails System, there is even greater protection for landowners along the Catamount Trail. To be liable for a person's injury on the Catamount Trail, landowners would need to intentionally inflict harm. CTA also maintains a liability insurance policy that covers landowners on all sections of the Trail.

For more information, the Vermont Trails and Greenway Council has published a Landowner Liability Brochure that outlines Vermont’s laws that protect private landowners who allow public access to their land.

You can also download a booklet published by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation called Public Recreation On Private Land: A Landowner’s Guide

The relevant Vermont statute, Limitations on Landowner Liability, provides additional information.