Explore the best rated trails in Aitkin, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Soo Line Trail (Northern Route) and Cuyuna Lakes State Trail . With more than 6 trails covering 436 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We rode the Walker Loop, a great 22 mile loop that includes the Paul Bunyan, Shingobee and Heartland Trails. Some steep hills but not a problem on our e-bikes. The trail was in good condition. The next day we rode the Paul Bunyan north from Walker to LaPorte. The trail definitely had some rough spots, but it was all worth it when we happened to find a super cute coffee shop/lunch spot about a block off the trail. There are no signs so you won’t expect to see this little gem in this tiny little town. It’s called The Door. I was told the city would not allow them to put a sign along the trail!
Rode for 12.5 miles south from Jenkins and back. While the route is great - a typical rails-to-trails with the exception that it’s asphalt paved - the one distracting factor is the large expansion cracks. Kerthump. Kerthump. Kerthump. That being the case, I feel a wide tired bicycle, with slightly under inflated tires might be most comfortable. Otherwise, a great ride. Lunched in Nisswa.
I rollerbladed the trail and parts of it were really bad, so I took neighborhood streets and parts of it were amazing and very well maintained. The views were really pretty. I would recommend it.
I have ridden about 80 miles on this trail, and it is through gorgeous country. That said, it is a dangerous trail for cycling. The trail is not well-maintained. There are significant cracks and blisters in the asphalt, especially in the section south of Carlton to Moose Lake State Park. Some of these problems are marked with white spray paint so you can avoid them, but some are not. It is unsafe. I’m an experienced cyclist and can handle a range of conditions- but I will not ride this trail again.
Gorgeous for walking, but to ride a bike on the Willard Munger is to risk your physical safety or damage to your bicycle.
We rode bikes from a dirt parking area at 7111Co Rd 13 in Nisswa, MN right onto the Paul Bunyan trail. The trail is relatively smooth & very scenic with lakes & tree coverage beside the trail from Nisswa to Pequot Lakes but further north it gets very bumpy due to frost cracks. Nisswa has many fun shops & great places to eat so suggest this stop. Will do this trail to the south of Nisswa to Brainerd next summer.
Enjoyed the mostly level, well maintained surface. Need some bathrooms or places to get water. Did a century ride one day, great trail but signage needs improvement. Around the Walker area very confusing. Trail around Lake Bimidji and into Bimidji state park was a beautiful ride. Stayed at the Comfort Inn in Bimidji, lakeview room. Awesome.
I rode the trail in 2 days, staying overnight in Walker. Would have been better to stay in Hackensack, as it was about 80 miles to Walker, with hills the last 7 miles. Soulshine Cycles in Hackensack provides shuttle service among other services. Brainard and Bemidgi have trails throughout the town (nice that they are bike-friendly) but usually are not marked, therefore easy to get "lost". Trail surface was a bit rough in places but nothing too serious. New paved spur at end of trail leads to Bemidgi State Park. Be sure to check out The Chocolate Ox in Nisswa.
We hopped onto the trail in McGregor and we’re very disappointed with the trail. It’s a mixture of large rocks and sandy soil. Probably better for all terrain vehicles and snow mobiles, not suitable for bikes.
From highway 10 (Soo Line Trailhead) to the Morrison County/Stearns County line, the trail has not been maintained the past few years. The cracks don’t get repaired, debris doesn’t get blown off, big branches don’t get removed for days, dogs are off leashes. I had to remove a large branch that was blocking the trail for at least a week. The Morrison County maintenance crew needs a lesson from the Stearns County crew.
Lots of rocks kicked up from ATV side when bike riding and a lot of cracks and holes in the trail. It was fun but not as fun when ATVs were frequently riding on the paved part. We expected them to keep left but apparently it’s common for them to keep right?
The second week of July we rode out and back from Crow Wing State Park at the south end of the trail (25 miles each way). There were clean compostable bathrooms at the State Park. The trail was paved the entire way, and as earlier reviews have mentioned, there were regular frost buckles in the trail. Found them to be nothing more than a minor annoyance. Signage was not the best going through the town of Baxter, but all the bike paths eventually led to the north and the continuation of the trail. My trail link app helped us reorient when we were uncertain. The miles we rode north of Baxter were largely straight, flat, and in the woods. Benches were few, but we did manage to find a place for lunch at the Merrifield Lion's Park. The restrooms there were also clean. Loved the views of the northern Mississippi River when we could see it. There would be more views when the leaves have fallen. All in all a fun ride and would do it again the next time we visit the area.
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