An official ribbon cutting opened the first 3.2 miles of the Conover-Phelps bike & hike trail Sunday with plans to finish the next 5.5 miles to Song Hill Road this summer.
The trail is on a former C&NW railroad grade that served the Christensen lumber company. The Phil Christensen family purchased the route after it was allowed to be abandoned, later selling it to Vilas County in 2003. Used as a snowmobile trail, it will now increase outdoor recreational opportunities for non-motorized activities according to Great Headwaters Trail spokesperson Jeff Currie.
“This first 3.2 miles to Muskrat Creek Road has a paved 10 foot wide surface and is open from early May to snow cover in November,” Currie said. “This was a great cooperative effort of two communities, the county, and many private contributors.”
Vilas County board chairman Ron DeBruyne indicated this trail gives more recreational opportunities for our visitors and residents to enjoy. Paul Bruggink, DNR land program manager indicated a study of the Bearskin Trail on the Northern Highland-American Legion state forest saw spending of $78 per person per day for that bike trail.
Currie indicated cost totaled about $1 million when all plans, engineering, bridges, and construction were summed up. He indicated fund raising is still needed to complete the next segment this year and to reach downtown Phelps in 2017.
