Planning of the Heartland Trail in Clay County

About the Heartland Trail

Metro COG, alongside local jurisdictions, is taking steps to implement the Heartland Trail through Clay County. The Heartland Trail is currently a 49-mile paved shared use path stretching from Park Rapids, MN to Cass Lake, MN.  A seven mile segment from Detroit Lakes, MN to Frazee, MN has also been recently constructed.

This popular trail, first constructed in 1976, provides recreational opportunities for users from around the region. In 2006 the Minnesota Legislature authorized the extension of the Heartland Trail from Park Rapids to Moorhead.  Since this authorization, seven miles of extension trail have been built (between Detroit Lakes and Frazee) along with various planning efforts.  

Heartland Trail Planning in Clay County

In 2014 Metro COG became involved in Heartland Trail planning efforts and set up the Clay County Heartland Trail Task Force.  The Task Force met between 2014 and 2020 and conducted some initial analysis and planning of the trail.  In 2024 Metro COG, in partnership with local jurisdictions, began the Heartland Trail Study in Clay County.  This study gathered public feedback, conducted analysis of possible trail alignments, provided cost estimates, and ultimately proposed a preferred trail alignment.  The study was completed in August of 2025.

Since completion of the Heartland Trail Study in Clay County, Metro COG has been working with local partners in further planning efforts, include reestablishing the Clay County Heartland Trail Task Force. 

Stay Informed

To stay informed about any Heartland Trail planning efforts in Clay County, please subscribe to the email list by providing your information below.

For any questions or information about the Heartland Trail Study in Clay County, feel free to reach out to the contact shown to the right.