CORP (Capital Off Road Pathfinders) volunteers and other trail users completed several trail improvement and maintenance projects at Blue Mound State Park in 2025. The trail work information is provided by the Blue Mound State Park Trail Steward, Zach Van Gorden.
- Bridge Repair Completed
The bridge crossing Ryan Creek on Overlode was in disrepair. Loose deck boards were secured, cables/railings had new supports added, and cables tightened. This was a 2-person effort by Jay Gunderson and Keith Hutchinson, and took about 8 hours (16 person hours total).
- Pokerville Return Loop Corridor
This is the flagged return loop on Pokerville, which connects the dead-end at the furthest South point (Near Military Ridge Trail) back to the top of that section (near the asphalt campground connector trail). This corridor has been cleared for traffic. Further trail improvement will continue until snow cover is present. This section is on track to be open in Spring 2026 when the existing Pokerville trail opens.
- Holy Schist Connector Rebuild
The first section of Holy Schist, which spurs off of Gneiss heading West has been a chronically wet spot for 10+ years. The section was rebuilt at the start of summer during Mike Riter’s trail-building class that took place in the park. This resulted in the trail sitting approximately 2ft higher than the prior tread, allowing it to shed water and dry sooner.
Work CORP volunteers have contributed this season
| 91 | Miles of string trimming/brush clearing |
| 89 | Downed Trees Cleared |
| 75 | Miles of leaf blowing |
| 34 | Mud holes/Soft spots “rock-hardened” |
| 21 | Hours of trail tread repair |
| 4 | New chainsaw operators trained |
| 1 | Dead racoon removed from trail |
| 662 | Total volunteer hours at Blue Mound State Park |
We are thankful for all of the time and effort put in by the trail volunteers this year. Next year promises to be just as fruitful as CORP and volunteers continue to “rock-harden” wet areas, complete the finishing work on the Pokerville return loop, and secure contracts to work on climb repairs. To get involved on the park’s biking trails or volunteer with CORP, please contact the BMSP Trail Steward, Zach Van Gorden, at [email protected].
Find the latest trail updates and conditions at corptrails.org/trail-info.
