Paul Bunyan State Trail:
Minnesota
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Description:
As of autumn 2011, 112 miles of the Paul Bunyan State Trail (between Brainerd and Bemidji) are paved, making it one of the nation's longest paved rail-trails. When complete, the trail will run for about 120 miles between Crow Wing State Park (south of Brainerd) and Lake Bemidji State Park (north of Bemidji). The segment between Crow Wing State Park and Brainerd will be completed in 2012, as will a segment through the city of Bemidji (currently on road).

The multi-use trail is mainly for non-motorized use; however, snowmobiles are permitted during winter. The Paul Bunyan State Trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor built in 1893 and last owned by Burlington Northern. The corridor passes through Boreal forests, along more than 20 lakes and 10 rivers/streams, and among meadows sporting colorful wildflowers in spring. You'll also encounter wildlife along the way.

For those using the trail for the long-haul, you'll find towns situated every 8 to 10 miles. Many of the towns have a long history in the railroad and timber industries, and before that, Native Americans of the Ojibwe and Dakota nations lived in the region.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail intersects with the Heartland State Trail at Route 34 northeast of Akeley and north of Walker near Routes 200/371. The Paul Bunyan Trail also connects with the Blue Ox–Voyageur Trail at Paul Bunyan's northern end in Lake Bemidji State Park (at Country Rd. 20).

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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking and access for the Paul Bunyan State Trail is available in every town along the way. The southern trailhead is located on Excelsior Road in Baxter. From the intersection of State Highway 210 and the State Highway 371 bypass in Baxter, go north 1 block to Excelsior Road then east 0.75 mile to Conservation Drive; the parking lot is on the left.

The northern trailhead is located in Lake Bemidji State Park. From Bemidji head north on County Road 21 about 4 miles then east on the same road for 2 miles to the park's entrance.

You can also park in Merrifield, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Jenkins, Pine River, Backus, Hackensack and Walker.

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Bemidji connection route to Lake Bemidji State Park Trailhead
By visitbemidji in April, 2011
There is signage now as the Paul Bunyan Trail enters a residential area in Bemidji. The route to connect back up with the rail trail portion is a few blocks, where it then skirts the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji and crosses the Mississippi River. Truly, one of the most scenic portions of the trail.
Trail improvements are still in play to get a bridge crossing Paul Bunyan and connect up to the lakeside trail sooner. Bemidji is actively pursuing bike friendly wayfinding, trails and routes, so be patient as the City, State and local organizations work out the details to ensure safe, well marked experience for all. Come often to see our progress.
Smooth rollin', variety and stunning beauty
By timbee in August, 2010
What a fantastic trail, especially now that it's completed to Bemidji. I've ridden all of it at one time or another. Recently, I rode the new section from Walker to Bemidji--very smooth, wide pavement--with hardly any users (on weekdays). At the Bemidji end there is no trail head or any signs or maps to the remaining route to Bemidji State Park so I skipped that part. Guthrie is the best stopping point on this stretch with benches, shade trees, porta potty and a large parking lot at the township hall. I couldn't get the water pump to work, however.

I've often found that the largest MN towns (Fergus Falls, Willmar, Brainerd) have non-existent or poor trailheads, while some of the smallest towns really go out of their way to accommodate users. A case in point is the small berg of Hackensack which has bathrooms (not a porta potty), shelter, benches, water, beautiful lake with fishing pier, restaurants, stores with snacks, etc. AND very friendly people. Schedule a stop here and Pine River which has similar amenities.

The trail between Hackensack and the Heartland junction is very atypical of MN trails with many hills and curves for 10-12 miles. Much of this is within the Chippewa National Forest. In addition to the hills and curves, you'll see towering pines, wild flowers and some great lake views at the southern end. When you connect the PB with the Heartland, there's over 150 miles of paved trails on which to cruise. If you go on only one of our wonderful trails don't miss this gem, I can't imagine a trail could be any better. (photos to come)
100+ miles paved
By ggwbikemt in June, 2010
The trail is now paved all the way from Bemidji to Brainerd for a distance of 100+ miles. There is a 2 mile gap in the trail remaining at the south shore of Lake Bemidji in Bemidji that can biked using surface streets.
Hackensack shelter; very nice place to stop.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Brainerd-Baxter to County Rd. 20 at Lake Bemidji State Park (Bemidji)
Counties: Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard
Trail Length: 112 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Dirt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016301