Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) has announced new grant opportunities for developing destination mountain biking trail systems in the state to boost visitation and participation in the sport.

“Mountain biking has gained incredible popularity in recent years, and well-built trail systems offer more than just recreation—they can drive tourism, strengthen rural economies, and contribute to land conservation efforts,” reads a recent MMOR press release. “Additionally, these projects help communities become more resilient by using green infrastructure to tackle the effects of climate change.”

MOOR is offering grants of up to $250,000 to non-profits, municipalities, and tribal governments to create destination mountain bike trail systems that meet the following criteria:

• Professionally designed, constructed, and optimized for mountain biking.
• Include at least 20 miles of trails with diverse terrains and difficulty levels.
• Fully mapped, marked, and marketed.
• Ready to start construction, with all necessary designs, permissions, and environmental permits in place.
• Include trails designed for adaptive riding equipment to ensure accessibility.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 5:00 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024.

For more information on the grant and how to apply, visit our webpage or access the full Request for Responses here.