ELY—The official ribbon-cutting for Ely’s new purpose-built mountain biking trail system is set for this Friday, June 23 at Hidden Valley Recreation Area.
The new trail system, consisting of six singletrack loops totaling nine miles, was designed by Minnesota-based Dirt Candy Designs and was largely built by Pathfinder Trail Building.
From a progressive skills loop for riders to practice and hone bike handling techniques, to the newly complete “Ely Airlines” jump line, the Hidden Valley MTB trails appeal to all levels of trail riders.
The project was made possible by support and funding from the Federal Recreation Trail Program, the Iron Range Resource and Rehabilitation Board, the U.S. Forest Service, the Minnesota DNR and the city of Ely, along with generous support from Ely Nordic Ski and Bike Club members and community donors.
The Hidden Valley Recreation Area is located at 1258 Hidden Valley Rd. in Ely. 
Light refreshments will be available along with an atmosphere of race excitement as the fifth and final Hidden Valley Hammer MTB race series event of the season starts at 6 p.m.