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Thursday, September 28, 2006
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Cuyuna trail drawing raves
Outdoors Editor CROSBY - Since it opened last October the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail has been a hit with lakes area bicyclists.
The first 5.2-mile segment of the 41-mile trail is anchored in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, which features 4,500 acres of reforested mining lands and more than 26 miles of undeveloped shoreline on deep, clear lakes. There also are nearly 50 miles of natural trails and paths for snowmobiling, mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching and skiing.
But it's the 5.2 miles of paved trail that draws most people to the area.
"I've been told it gets an awful lot of use," said Denny Palmer, project manager on behalf of the Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association. "Old-timers in the area used to say, 'Who needs a trail?' Now they use it all the time. About the only complaint we hear is that it's too short."
But there's good news on the horizon. Almost $2 million of federal and state money has been secured to extend the trail on its west end another 1.5 miles, from Iverson Road through Riverton to the Sagamore Unit of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Another mile of paved trail will be added to the east end beginning at the Croft Mine and traveling along Eighth Street to Crow Wing County Road 31.
Another $400,000 will be available to build a trail from Aitkin to the Tank Trails, Palmer said.
Tour of Cuyuna
Bike riders can make a memorable end-of-season ride Oct. 7 by taking part in the Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association's Tour of Cuyuna ride.
Participants will ride through the twists and turns of winding county roads, pedal up gentle hills and take in the colorful fall scenery. The route will pass through Crosby, Deerwood and Aitkin.
Planned for the peak of the fall color season, the ride has the potential to create an unforgettable experience, organizers say. Experienced riders and newcomers are both welcome. Participants can choose between three routes depending on their ability. Options include 8-mile, 26-30 mile or 65-70 mile courses. Rest stations will provide riders with food, water and restrooms. All routes end at the Crosby-Ironton High School cafeteria, where riders can refuel with a hearty meal.
Phone (218) 545-4545 for more information
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In the future the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail will be joined to the Paul Bunyan State Trail.
When completed, the new asphalt trail will be 10- to 12-feet wide, depending on location, Palmer said.
Meanwhile, horseback riders have questioned where they will be fitted into the new trail plans.
"We're working on that," said Steve Weber, manager of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. "In the next couple weeks we'll meet with Darrell Mead, vice president of the Minnesota Horse Council, and Lois Payne, vice president of the Minnesota Trail Riders Association. Local folks are invited too."
Key questions to be decided: What plans are being made for horseback riding? How can land be acquired for trails? Which trails are horseback riders using now? What do they want for their riding experience?
"Once we know all that," Weber said, "we'll begin to make a plan."
To make comments about the horse trails or other aspects of the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail and/or Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, contact Weber at (218) 546-5926.
VINCE MEYER can be reached at vince.meyer@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5862.
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