Resort’s trails provide recreation, adventure
By Cheryl Odden
You can bike it or you can hike it. You can
even saddle up your horse and ride it. “It” is the new trail that was recently
completed at Indian Hills Resort 30 miles west of Garrison.
Not only does the trail provide four miles of
recreational opportunities, according to its builder, it offers
spectacular views of Lake Sakakawea. “It contains some of the most beautiful
country I’ve ever cut trail in,” said Dawn Packard, owner of Blue
Sky Trails, LLC.
That’s a pretty serious compliment
considering that Packard has built trails in Colorado, Idaho and
Nebraska. When Packard describes the trail’s location,
she offers additional high praise. “It’s beautiful terrain, that was
very condusive to trail building.” Packard said,” The trail runs parallel to
great lake views and runs through a lot of wooded sections for
interest.” She said the trial is appropriate for people of all
ages.” It’s a great place to take kids,” she said. “It is easy
enough for beginners but has some challenges.”
Although Packard bid on the project last
August, the actual trail building did not begin until the end of
April, Prior to building the trail, Packard met with a planner from
N.D. Parks and Tourism. The two worked together to plan the trail
with the use of aerial maps.Although the basic trail was planned in
advance, Packard said “creative choices” were added to make the
trail more interesting for hikers and bikers. She said a team of
five trail builders worked to make the trail a reality. The crew
included one local man, Joe Azure of White Shield. Packard said
Azure did a “terrific job” and could continue to be an asset to the
project with his knowledge of trail maintenance.
The new trail is the second phase of the Nux
Baa Gaa Trail at Indian Hills Resort. In 2005 a 1.5-mile section of
the trail was constructed. Combined the two trials offer over five miles
of recreational opportunities. The trails are described as official
mountain-bike, single-track dirt trails that are about four feet
wide. Packard said she hopes to return to Indian
Hills this fall to do an intermediate trail that will be a bit more
challenging.
The Nux Baa Gaa Trail is being constructed
with the help of Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail funding and includes
additional features such as interpretive signage that has been added
along the trails. Other enhancements include an information
kiosk and a picnic shelter that are currently under construction. A
small parking area will also be built.
Kelly Sorge, owner of Indian Hills Resort,
said she hopes area residents will visit the resort and utilize the
new trails and other accommodations. She said much of the area’s
rich history is detailed on the signs along the trails and that
additional historical information will be available at the kiosk
once it is built. Kelly said the resort has become a great
“family destination” since it offers a variety of recreational
opportunities such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing and camping.
The resort also has a convenience store and café.
Click here to see larger trail map.
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Support/Sponsors
If you or any groups that may want to participate
in the making on the Nux Baa Ga Trail please contact myself,
Kelly Sorge at Indian Hills Resort or simply e-mail
me. We are hoping for many supporters.
What kind of support does our trial need?
The trail is part of the Lewis and Clark
Legacy Trails, and we were awarded a Grant from the Department
of Transportation that will cover the cost of construction only.
The remainder of the costs will be the engineering, environmental
and cultural clearances. These costs must be met monetarily, and
by specialized volunteer work. For instance engineers that may
volunteer their efforts for trial design. Artist and photographers
to lend there talents, and organizers that just want to bring all
these talents together.
