WAILUKU, Hawaii » A hikers’ group is suing Haleakala Ranch and the state to gain access to a historic horse trail that was used to reach Haleakala Crater until 75 years ago.

The Haleakala Bridle Trail fell into disuse when Haleakala Highway was paved and the way to the summit was opened to autos in 1935.

The Maui News reported Tuesday the suit filed by Public Access Trails Hawai-Maui says the trail is one of the most culturally and historically important on Maui.

The lower reaches of the trail are now Piiholo and Olinda roads. From the top of Olinda Road the trail passes onto Haleakala Ranch land.

The suit seeks public access to 3.3 miles of the trail up to the lower boundary of Haleakala National Park.