Area Boy Scouts and volunteers recently helped clear a new mountain bike trail at Fort Leavenworth.
The trail, which runs roughly along Sheridan Drive from the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks Cemetery to the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery and Nez Perce Village, is intended primarily for mountain bikes, but may also be used by hikers and horseback riders.
The trail is being built with a $4,800 grant awarded by the Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program, money which will also go towards establishing a bicycle rental program, which will be administered through the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort Leavenworth.
Brian Johnson, father of one of the scouts, said the project gave the boys a chance to work on a conservation badge and put in volunteer hours, as well as watch cadets conducting training on the military installation.
Matt Nowak, natural resources specialist for the Directorate of Logistics and Public Works, said that the trail will zigzag through the woods in order to follow a slope grade of 10 percent or less, and will follow guidelines for sustainability, keeping soil erosion to a minimum.
Nowak said there are many parts of the trail that still need to be cleared, and is asking volunteers to help complete the work. If you’re interested, you can call him at 913-684-8979 to get directions.
To ride the new trails, or the older multi-use trail built in 2007, you’ll need to enter the west gate of Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation (requires a picture ID). Ask for directions to the trailhead or to the bicycle rental facility.
Overland Park Scout Troop 61 has written a Fort Leavenworth Heritage Trail Information Booklet. Though it’s somewhat dated, the booklet is an excellent resource, providing maps, directions, and information about this important and historic place.
