MORAVIA, IOWA -- The eight mile North Shore Trail at Rathbun Lake is now complete.  Soles of shoes hit the trail for the first time on Saturday morning.

Around 100 hundred runners, walkers, and spectators showed up for the unveiling of the new trail. To go along with the theme, there was a shoestring and bike chain cutting ceremony on the trail.

Following the ceremony was a 5K run/walk, as well as an eight mile trail tour by bike later in the morning.

“Ultimately what we'd like to be able to do is put granular resurfacing on the remaining four miles of the trail so we'll be working on grants to try and secure that and also trail amenities. You know -- benches and things like that. So we're certainly going to be looking for volunteers and donations to help us accomplish some of those projects,” said Nancy Huisman, a member of the Appanoose County Trails Board.

Funding for the trail came from the Iowa Great Places Grant, the Appanoose County Community Fund, Rathbun Snow Riders, and stimulus funds.

The trail connects directly with Honey Creek Resort State Park and there are four access points.

Huisman has no doubt that this is just the beginning of what the North Shore Trail is to become. The trail is a great way to get outside and explore nature.