CSAH 35 full-depth reclamation and bike trail completed
News | Published on March 17, 2026 at 4:02pm EDT | Author: frazeevergas
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Vergas and Dent are now connected by the new segment of the Heart of the Lakes trail that was completed as part of the CSAH reclamation project and a new segment of the trail that runs through Maplewood.
By Robert Williams
Editor
Otter Tail County has announced the completion of the County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 35 reclamation project, including the bike trail that connects the Heart of the Lakes Trail to Vergas on Thursday, March 12.
The project included a full-depth reclamation and resurfacing of 10.8 miles of CSAH 35 and the construction of a 4-foot to 6-foot wide bituminous shoulder trail to improve non-motorized connectivity between Dent, Vergas and local trails.
Eventually, the Heart of Lakes Trail will connect to all three trails that merge at Wannigan Regional Park, the Heartland Trail, the North Country National Scenic Trail, and a launch site on the Otter Tail River water trail.
Multiple meetings have been held to gather input from the public. After a 2023 trial study, it was decided the Vergas to Frazee trail will run east out of Vergas on County Road 60 and then turn north on 370th Avenue leading to the Wirth Waterfowl Production Area and the Wymer Lake region.
There is no official timeline on the trail as funding opportunities are being sought.
The trail will also connect two parks in Wannigan Regional and Maplewood State Park. The completion of the Maplewood Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail was announced last August.
The Heart of the Lakes Trail includes five segments, each named for their location: Pelican Rapids, Maplewood, Silent Lake, McDonald Lakes, and Perham. The Vergas to Frazee connection will allow trail access between the two towns, Perham, Dent and Pelican Rapids.