MADISON, Wis. -- The final six-mile stretch of the Badger State Trail was officially opened during a ceremony Saturday morning.

The $1.2 million section of paved trail completes the 40-mile trail that stretches from Madison to the Illinois state line.

Officials said that the Badger State Trail offers opportunities for recreational and commuter cyclists to safely travel through south central Wisconsin.

"It’s the easiest thing to do in the world, to bike," said Matt Frank, the secretary for Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources. "As I said to folks here today, whether somebody's 4 years old or they're 90 years old, anybody in Wisconsin can come out on a day and enjoy these bike trails."

Residents 16 years and older do need to purchase a $20 annual trail pass to use the trail.

For more information on the Badger State Trail, visit its website.