If you like hiking and mountain biking at Oak Mountain state Park, you now have access to a new 2.4 mile trail to explore.

The North Lakes Connector Trail opened Tuesday night with a large group of enthusiastic mountain bikers on hand to give it a ride.

The Alabama State Parks System and Shelby County unveiled the new family-friendly multi-use trail at Oak Mountain State Park. The North Lakes Connector Trail begins at Lunker Lake at the north end of the park and connects to the rest of the Oak Mountain Trail system.

Shelby County built the trail using a Recreational Trails Program grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The $60,000 ADECA grant was matched with up to $15,000 from Shelby County. The project costs came in under budget, according to Chad Scroggins, Chief Development Officer for Shelby County. Shelby County acted as the project manager, working with the State Parks System, and handled the construction, which started in May.

"We worked with the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers mountain bikers club and the park to plan the trail," Scroggins said. "Everyone agreed in the direction we took to make it best suited for the needs of Oak Mountain State Park."

The trail connects the parking lots at Lunker Lake to the North Trail Head and pushes the total length of Oak Mountain's mountain bike and running trails to 38.5 miles. Alabama's largest state park also has 27 miles of equestrian trails and 31 miles of trails limited to hiking and running.

Ken Thomas, Alabama State Parks System North Region Trails Coordinator, and Tina Chanslor, Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers president, were on hand for the grand opening.

OMSP and Alabama State Parks Central District Superintendent Kelly Ezell said the new trail is perfectly suited for families. "We're really excited about this trail," she said. "It gives us an expanded parking opportunity for those who want to hike and bike and it's a family-friendly trail. This is not a Black Diamond Trial that people can be challenged on. It's a fun, family trail."