MINOT, ND (KXNET) — Get out and get active — that's what MSU's newest trail system is intended for. The trail, which was built on an empty hill north of the dome in early October, is around three-quarters of a mile with multiple loops. MSU Assistant Professor in Education and Kinesiology Kelsey Higginson was able to make the trail system a reality after getting approval for it in August. Higgins had noticed that the land wasn't being used, and she was granted permission by MSU President Dr. Steven Shirley. Higginson says that the trail is to give more options for students to get active. "My idea of physical education is to get people out and moving and just finding something that they like and keep going and so I'm trying to get more activities like mountain biking or hiking or walking or just getting out and trying some less traditional things from PE," said Higginson. With the help of the local bicycle shop, Val's Cyclery, the trail was completed in less than a week after Higginson received approval from the college. Higgins says this collaboration is a big part of trying to bring mountain biking to the school's physical education curriculum. "This summer I was going in and bringing them junk bikes that I had got at a police auction to try and fix up so we could try and build up our mountain bike supply and every time I would go in I'm like 'Hey, I'm starting this thing, what do you guys think? You know more about mountain biking than me, what can I do?' And the idea of putting in a trail so we could take the class there without having to go all these crazy places just came up in conversation and they loved the idea," said Higginson. Men can boost strength, energy, and vitality this November Higginson hopes it will also provide a space for people who just want a nice area to go for a walk. "Most of the time, you go around Minot there's sidewalks but even in my neighborhood, the sidewalk cuts out for like five blocks in the middle as you're walking loops or different things so it can be harder," said Higginson. However, Higginson says the trail provides college students and younger adults a place for activities that might not have access to transportation. "We have the outdoor rec area and we have the Bison Plant Trail but both of those, especially if you are a kid or a teenager or college even, you don't have a car, they can be harder to get to so to have one right here on campus and especially right next to our college wellness center they have mountain bikes they have snow shoes they have things that students can check out for free and it's right up the hill," said Higginson. While MSU is not looking to expand the trail system they are hoping to incorporate more college clubs and sports activities with the trail system in the upcoming year. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW