According to the master plan prepared by Carver County, the trail, which extends 12.4 miles across the norther part of the county, will be developed as “a multi-use bituminous (paved) trail that will compliment Carver County’s existing trail system.”

When complete, the trail will be suitable for bicycling, walking, running, in-line skating, dog walking, and other non-motorized uses. During the winter months, the trail may be open to snowmobile use if cities, townships, and county allow this, according to the plan.

No other motor vehicles will be allowed on the trail. Equestrian use will also be prohibited, because demand is low, and because the trail is near the Luce Line horse trail.

The county purchased the portion of the Dakota Rail corridor within Carver County in 2001.

The corridor generally has a 100-foot right-of-way, but the right-of-way widens to 300 feet in Mayer and 250 feet in New Germany. Both cities have expressed interest in creating community focal points along the trail, and the wider right-of-way provides adequate space for this.

These focal points could include facilities such as parking areas, rest rooms, information centers, picnic areas, and other amenities for trail users.

Carver County has secured a $1,027,200 federal transportation enhancement funding grant for constructing a paved trail from the Hennepin County border to the city of Mayer. Carver County and the Metropolitan Council will also provide funding for the trail, according to the plan.

Development of the rest of the trail will depend on the availability of funds. A crushed rock or agricultural lime surface may be used as an interim trail surface improvement until additional funds are available.

The rails and ties were removed from the corridor in 2004 and 2005, and the current state of the trail is “undeveloped, uneven, and overgrown, with trestle structures that lack railings or solid decking,” according to the plan. Carver County has posted the trail as closed to public use until it can be developed.