Here is a history of Fumee Lake Natural Area's singletrack trails as told by their creator, Dennis Hicks!

"South single track was started in fall of 1999. I believe it was in the fall. Roughly laid out by using dead white birch logs at turns. My sons (Andrew 14, Aric 13) helped in this process. Next came the rough clearing of the route removing any existing down trees. Next came the raking of the route. Next raking the route smoothing it somewhat while removing small rocks. Also taking out high and low spots with rake and shovel. No living trees were cut.

In the spring before the first Naturally Fat race, some more smoothing was done with a rake and shovel.

The north single track was started in August of 2000 with my sons. Took about 3 weekends to lay out and rough in, rake, smooth out, remove any smaller rocks. A similar process as the south single track. Once again, no living trees were cut.

The north single track was then incorporated into the naturally fat 2001 race.

The newest single track that goes down from the highest point on the north ridge was put in in 2014, Don't know who built it. The trail was heavily damaged during the wind storm of 2015."

Fumee has a history of singletrack trails that are designed and built with care and respect for the Natural Area. For many years, these were the only singletrack mountain bike trails in the area and were enjoyed by thousands. DTN will continue advocate for additional trails within FLNA that will be built with the same care and respect. Our goal is to increase access to more places in treasured area for ALL to enjoy.