Minn. named 'Best Trails State' by national group

Munger State Trail
Munger State Trail in northern Minnesota, between Hinckley and Duluth.
Minnesota DNR

A national organization on Wednesday named Minnesota as the "Best Trail State" in the country.

From horse trails in southwestern Minnesota to the new Gitchi-Gami bike trail along Lake Superior, Minnesota leads the nation, according to American Trails, a national advocacy group.

The award applauds Minnesota voters' decision two years ago to tax themselves to improve trails.

Minnesota has more than 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails, 1,300 miles of off-highway vehicle trails, and 700 miles of cross-country ski trails.

A University of Minnesota economic impact study found that spending at Minnesota trails totaled more than $2 billion in 2008. The study found walking and hiking are the most popular activities on Minnesota trails.

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