It’s paved – Tank Trail grand opening Oct. 3

The Tank Trail walking and biking trail has been paved and the city will hold a “Grand Opening” event Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 4:30-6 p.m.

The trail begins at Red Oak Drive near the Catholic Church and extends into other trails including the North Achen Ski Trail.

The city of Aitkin has been doing work and planning for the area parks and trails to help make Aitkin a “hub” for hiking, walking and biking. The first phase of the trail plan from Rippleside Elementary School to Red Oak Drive was constructed in 2012. The Tank Trail is the second phase. In an Aitkin Age Progress Edition article by Olivia Johnson, Aitkin County Engineer John Welle said, “The tank trail property is the second phase of construction of the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail in the Aitkin area.” The bigger plan is to connect Aitkin’s trails with the trails in the Crosby area.

Also known as the No Achen Ski Trail, the trail has varying degrees of difficulty through wooded and open areas. The trail crosses private land, please stay on the trail. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.

The history of the Tank Trail: “Years ago, the National Guard did tank training in the hills to the north of where Paulbeck’s (County Market) Grocery is located,” explained Aitkin City Administrator Mike Skrbich.