DHPT Presses On With Big Trail Projects Despite Recent Flooding

DECORAH -- While recent flooding has complicated efforts, Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT) remains committed to a busy and ambitious summer of trail improvements. From new bridges to major reroutes and an all-new accessible hiking trail, DHPT continues to reshape and revitalize Decorah's trail network for all users. Founded in 2005, DHPT became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit in spring 2024. Later that year, they were one of 170 organizations selected to receive a Two For The Trails grant from Athletic Brewing Company. The funds, received in December 2024 and required to be spent by December 2025, were quickly put to use with the rebuild of the Larson's Loop bridge as a top priority. A Safer Larson's Loop"There used to be two bridges on Larson's Loop," said Erin Shaw, the DHPT member who wrote the grant. "One was missing two boards, so running across it always felt a little precarious. You could step over the holes, but it wasn't ideal. The other bridge had a steep pitch and almost a foot drop-off at one end." "Larson's Loop isn't used by bikers, and many hikers skip it because of the steep climb and descent," Shaw added. "I wanted to find a way to repair the bridges so runners and hikers could feel safer and enjoy Larson's Loop. Plus, Decorah has beautiful trails, bridges, and trailhead markers, so a bridge with caution tape and holes was an eyesore." Shaw says the new build improves both safety and the experience for users: "The new bridge is smooth and sturdy, and the improved trail, where the second bridge was, has a more gradual contour now. Hikers, runners, and trail users of all ages can enjoy a safe bridge on the trail. They just have to be willing to tackle the climb up to it." DHPT President Nick Pearch emphasized the community effort behind the work. "Fixing the bridge had been on our plate for a while," he said. "It was really great getting the funds and hiring a local contractor, Pine Creek Trail Builders, to do the work so it was less of a burden on our volunteers. Erin did most of the legwork with writing the grant, we're super lucky to have her affiliated with the group." Pearch sees the finished project as a win for a broader range of trail users. "It's really cool to see the finished product and be able to cater more to trail runners and hikers rather than just bikers. It's also on private land, so we respect the trails and the landowners' generous use of their land." Big Projects Still to ComeEach summer, DHPT tackles a few major trail projects aimed at addressing erosion or enhancing access. One of the biggest efforts this year involves rerouting three unsustainable trails in the Upper Palisades area. These "fall-line" trails that go straight downhill have become badly eroded. "When a trail goes downhill and gets packed in by users, it makes a bowl shape," Pearch explained. "Water collects in it, starts sucking the silt and dirt out, and pushes it downhill, making the bowl bigger and steeper. That leads to rooted-out sections. Not only are these not considered beginner trails at that point, but they're also not sustainable for the longevity of the trail." To improve conditions, DHPT is closing down the steepest trail segments and building reroutes using sustainable design techniques. "Part of being good stewards of the land is making sure trails are sustainable while preserving wildlife and plant life," said Pearch. "It's also part of our mission to get people out on the trails, which includes encouraging beginners. So the work of maintaining some trails for both the sake of being beginner-friendly and preserving longevity is 50/50." Two of the three trail reroutes are complete or nearly complete. The third is delayed due to recent flooding but is expected to be finished this fall. Reroutes, Railings, and Safer IntersectionsOther major projects in motion include: A reroute of the Luge Trail, also funded by the Two For The Trails grant. "There was a barbed wire fence, and for safety, we wanted to replace it with a wooden fence," said Pearch. "Rather than doing that, we decided to reroute the trail around the fence and make a safer intersection, away from traffic." Pine Creek Trail Builders is scheduled to complete this project in fall 2025. A new accessible, hiking-only trail at Dunning Springs, offering an easier route to view the falls. "Currently, it's highly technical and difficult to navigate, especially for beginners," said Pearch. "We're going to build a trail that loops up about 50 yards over the top of the falls, with wooden rails for safety, and the trail will loop around and connect down to the stone bridge." The Dunning Springs project is funded by Decorah Rotary. Luther College Cross Country had planned to begin brush-cutting as part of a community service day, but flooding delayed their efforts. Still, the trail is scheduled for completion this fall, also by Pine Creek Trail Builders. After the StormsThough DHPT has made solid progress this summer, recent flooding has forced the group to reassess some of its priorities, particularly on well-used trails. "River Trail was underwater. It's hard to say what needs to be fixed until everything dries out," said Pearch. "That'll be tough, as it's the most-used trail in the area." The Public Television Trail, another heavily trafficked route, also took a hit. "It'll be a handful to rebuild with a lot of tree cutting and brush cleanup," he said. A bridge on Rocky Road also needs to be reset. "Setback timelines depend on when volunteers can help out, but hopefully by October we can be back on track and finish the season strong." Despite the damage, Pearch remains encouraged by DHPT's long-term strategies. "Overall, the trails did really well during the storm. We've been using a lot more sustainable trail-building techniques, and I think a lot of that is paying off. But sometimes, nature just happens, and we go from there." How to Help DHPT is volunteer-driven and always welcomes help from the community. To volunteer or support projects, email dhpt2023@gmail.com. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.