Sisters creates community trail system

Sisters is the kind of place that begs you to get out of the car and walk around — climb on a bike or a horse and ride.

Over the past few years, a group of dedicated Sisters area residents have been making it easier to do just that, planning and developing a network of trails to connect Sisters neighborhoods and to connect Sisters with our acres of back country.

The first neighborhood connection trail was completed in late 2006 with a trail from the Tollgate subdivision to Sisters High School. Currently committee members and other volunteers are developing new sections of track on the Peterson Ridge Trail to add to the mountain biking opportunities just south of town.

Trails advocates believe that well-connected and well-maintained trails encourage a healthy lifestyle of walking, cycling and riding, contribute to SistersÕ village atmosphere and cut down on vehicle use.

According to the Sisters Trails Web site, Sisters Community Trails are a mix of constructed single-track trails and networks of forest roads. There are four informational kiosks located in the core Sisters area and direction and mileage signs along trailheads and at junctions.

Hikers will also find small ÒSisters TrailsÓ logo signs posted on trees and posts along the way to help them stay on the right path.

Most trails are open to all non-motorized use, although a few have restrictions on equestrian and mountain bike traffic to protect the trail and surrounding environment. These restrictions are posted.

If you are interested in helping with the Sisters Trails Committee contact Jeff Sims, Committee Chair, at 541-549-2091 or soar@outlawnet.com.

Visit the Sisters Trails Web site at www.sisterstrails.com. There you will find maps and descriptions of the trail network.