The Northern Grampians Shire is urging its community to form a group to oversee management of the Grampians Rail Trail.

The shire said it was one of the last hurdles before the 11-kilometre bike and walking path from Stawell to Mount Dryden could officially open.

Council had hoped the group would be created at a public meeting on the issue this week but it was unsuccessful.

Mayor Murray Emerson said council was unwilling to personally manage the trail and wanted the community to step up.

"A few weeks ago council passed a resolution to say that it could well be managed by a community organisation," he said.

"We've only just got to get a group to come together and with the help and guidance of the Northern Grampians Shire it could well be managed by an interested local group."

Councillor Emerson has promised council assistance with governance and financial support.

"The people who initially made the rail trail, the Stawell college and in particular one of our local residents ... John Pye, have done a wonderful job over a period of about 15 years and now we have to try and move it forward so it will be a successful bike and walking track within our community," he said.