PARKS & RECREATION

Deep Lake Park promises to be a recreational gem

Hubbard County is developing a new, year-round, recreational park.

It’s located on the site of the former Val Chatel ski resort, about four miles north of Emmaville.

Trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and mountain biking are proposed for Deep Lake Park.

It will also serve as a connector to the North Country Trail, located a mile to the north, and the Itasca-Heartland Connection Trail, which will be several miles to the west.

A variety of campsites will be constructed, along with a launch for non-motorized water recreation, such as canoes and kayaks. One of the campsites will entice ATV users wishing to explore an existing ATV trail off the property.

The Hubbard County Board adopted a master plan for the park in Nov. 2022.

The county is seeking designation as “a regional park or trail” for the property. Earning regional status opens up funding sources for development of the recreational park.

Total construction is expected to cost $7,581,000. Development is divided into five phases.

According to the master plan, the RV sites will be sized to accommodate an RV, ATV trailer and truck, with full electric-sewer hookups.

A 200-foot-long ATV spur trail will connect the ATV parking lot to the Karmal Forest Road where ATVs will be allowed.

Four camper cabins are proposed to overlook the lake. They will be heated to provide a year-round camping experience.

Approximately 16 drive-in campsites, one group campsite and six cart-in campsites will be offered.

The mountain bike trail system at Deep Lake Park will have three different loops.

Summer hiking trails and winter ski/snowshoe trails will surround the lake, where non-motorized water activities like canoeing, kayaking and fishing will be available.

Trust for Public Land acquired the land with support from a generous anonymous private donor, then donated it to Hubbard County for management.