Two exciting trail segments are also in the works:

• We’re collaborating with the Lost Creek Hiking Trail to designate their 6.5-mile system as the official start of the MDHT, hopefully by the end of 2025.

• We’re awaiting final approval from the MN DNR to designate about one mile of trail at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, which we hope to open this year. 

We know that building a continuous long-distance hiking trail takes time–and we’re in it for the long haul. While it will likely be about ten years before the full trail is complete, we’re optimistic we’ll have miles on the ground by the end of this year, with more to come each year after that. 

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In these areas, we’ve been:

• Reaching out to new landowners to start conversations about potential trail partnerships.

• Visiting properties and walking the land with landowners who have already signed Letters of Intent. 

To date, approximately 20 landowners are actively working with us to bring this trail to life–and we know there are many more to connect with in the months and years ahead.

We’re also preparing for the trail’s next big steps:

• Purchasing equipment needed for the trail

• Finalizing contracts with a professional trail building company to begin construction in 2026

• Finalizing contracts with a signage vendor for designation work that may occur as early as this year.

Beyond land access, we’ve been building relationships with local communities. We’ve met with three towns along the trail corridor to discuss potential routes through their downtowns and hosted community listening sessions in each location to hear directly from residents. We’re now reviewing what we heard and will be following up with each community to keep the momentum going.