The Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail at Wilson State Park east of Russell has been given an “Epic Award” from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) at the organization’s World Summit in Santa Fe, N.M.

Wilson State Park and surrounding landscape feature rugged prairie and sandstone outcroppings, a perfect place for challenging mountain bike trails. The Switchgrass Bike Trail winds for about 24 miles through the pristine Smoky Hills grasslands along the shores of one of Kansas’ most scenic lakes. Novice riders will enjoy an easy, but beautiful ride of just more than 5 miles.

The Switchgrass Trail is the product of an all-volunteer effort by local mountain bike enthusiasts and the Kansas Trail Council (KTC).

It started in 1994 as a 6-mile loop built by a group of local mountain bikers from Great Bend. Since 2004, it has been one of 17 trails coordinated and maintained by the KTC. In 2006, a Federal Recreational Trails Program grant was used to extend the Switchgrass Trail and purchase equipment.