Award recognizes Minnesota as ‘Best Trails State’

In the spotlight again as a leader in outdoor recreation, Minnesota has been named “Best Trails State” in the country. The award, presented to Minnesota by American Trails, recognizes a state that is facilitating an outstanding statewide system of trails.

The announcement comes on the heels of Minneapolis being named the No. 1 bicycling city in the U.S. (Bicycling
Magazine,
May 2010) and Minnesota being ranked the fourth most “bicycle friendly” state in the country (League of American Cyclists, May 2010).

Mark Holsten, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) —joined by representatives of the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, the Minnesota Recreational Trail Users Association, the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, and the Metropolitan Council— unveiled the award at the Minnesota State Capitol.

American Trails also recognized two Minnesotans with individual awards: Ron Potter, recreation systems manager for the DNR, for his support of the state’s trails; and David Halsey, president of the Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club for his work to reopen ATV areas in the Chippewa National Forest.

Trails managed by the DNR include more than 600 miles of paved trails for biking, 1,000 miles of equestrian trails, 1,300 miles of cross-country skiing trails, 1,000 miles of off-highway vehicle trails, 4,400 miles of water trails, 1,000 miles of snowmobile trails, and several thousand miles of hiking trails. Trails managed through a grant-in-aid system by local units of government and local clubs include more than 21,000 miles of snowmobile trails, 700 miles of cross-country ski trails, and 1,300 miles of off-highway vehicle trails. Thousands of additional trail miles are provided by national, regional, county, and local units of government, as well as non-profit organizations, contributing to the award-winning system of trail opportunities throughout Minnesota.

TheBest Trails State award is presented every two years by American Trails, the only national nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail types, including bicycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, equestrian, snowmobile, off-highway vehicle, and water trails.