What's a master plan?
Some state trails follow previously existing routes such as railroad grades, while others are planned to follow rivers or simply to connect two or more cities or other destinations. A master plan is needed to identify one or more potential routes - also known as "alignments" - before any portion of a trail can be developed.
Throughout the planning process, Parks and Trails staff work closely with resource experts, local communities and trail users to identify important natural and cultural resources, scenic landscapes, and potential connections to parks, downtown districts, local or regional trails, and other points of interest.
The planning process also results in decisions about the types of uses that are appropriate for the trail and how the trail will be managed. The resulting master plan is a blueprint for the development of the trail - a process that can extend for many years into the future.
Plan amendments
If a state trail is to be extended outside of its original corridor or opened to new uses, a trail master plan amendment may be prepared. As with complete park and trail plans, local communities, park and trail users, and other interested citizens have opportunities to comment on these plan amendments during the planning process and during an official public review period.
Completed plans
Master plans are available electronically for these state trails listed below. Other plans are available for review in paper form in the DNR Library at the DNR Central Office in St. Paul.