The Heartland State Trail is one step closer to expanding into Clay County, and residents have an opportunity to learn more about the project at an upcoming public meeting. Clay County Public Health and the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG) will host a community discussion on Thursday, March 6, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Moorhead Public Library to provide updates on the proposed trail expansion.
The Heartland Trail is a 49-mile paved path currently running from Park Rapids to Cass Lake, offering a year-round recreational route for walkers, runners, cyclists, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. Planners have been working to extend the trail through Clay County, connecting Moorhead to the existing network to improve outdoor accessibility and regional connectivity.
The meeting will feature Patrick Hollister, Active Living Planner with Clay County Public Health, and Dan Farnsworth, Transportation Planner with Metro COG, who will share three potential routes under consideration, discuss project updates, and answer community questions.
Since 2014, efforts to determine the best route for the Clay County extension have been underway, with planners aiming to finalize an alignment to move closer to construction. Officials encourage residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and local businesses to attend and offer input on how this trail expansion could impact the community.
For more information on the project, visit Metro COG’s Heartland Trail Study page at fmmetrocog.org/HeartlandTrail.
AP Citation: “With 3 proposed routes, Metro COG looks to narrow down Heartland Trail options.” InForum, published July 2024.

Photo courtesy of Detroit Lakes Tourism
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