Planning of the Heartland Trail

Planning of the Heartland Trail

Metro COG 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. 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, 5 miles of extension trail have been built from Detroit Lakes to Frazee. Metro COG has been involved in initial planning efforts of this trail since 2014. 

In November, Metro COG selected consulting firm SRF to assist with the planning of the Clay County portion of the Heartland Trail. SRF, along with two subconsultants, have expertise in trail planning as well as public engagement. SRF has designed a portion of the existing Heartland Trail in Becker County, MN as well as planning of the Heart of the Lakes Trail in Otter Tail County, MN.

This project, the Clay County Heartland Trail Extension Analysis, will kick off in January 2024 and be completed in early 2025. Upon completion of this effort, stakeholders will look to begin the design phases of the trail. Those who wish to stay informed and be involved in these planning efforts can request to be on the Clay County Heartland Trail notification list by contacting Dan Farnsworth, Metro COG Transportation Planner, at farnsworth@fmmetrocog.org. To learn more about the Clay County Heartland Trail planning efforts and to keep abreast of new information, please visit the project page here.