Explore the best rated trails in Brainerd, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Shingobee Connection Trail and Lake Wobegon Trail . With more than 7 trails covering 442 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 started in Bemidji with the intent to ride to Hackensack on road bikes. Hit a large bump just south of Laporte (going 18-19 mph). Ended up with a broken collar bone and fractured elbow in two places. Still a great trail.
We started at the west end of this trail where it connects to the Central Lakes Trail and rode east about 6 miles. Trail has recently been repaved, so it was SMOOTH!!! Wish we had not done the last 10 miles of bumpy Central Lakes as we were tired and it was middle of the day and quite warm. There is little shade at the west end of the trail and no water available, so bring plenty. The trail was recently repaved - the dirt has not been built up on the sides, so be careful you don't run off the edge - it will be a BUMP! Wish we had the energy to go farther!
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.
Morrison County does a terrible job maintaining the trail. If you don’t remove fallen branches yourself, it won’t get done. During the last two summers, I have experienced most of the major trails in the state. I see all sorts of conditions, including smoothness of the trail to debris not removed. Lake Wobegon Trail, which is located mainly in Stearns County, is one of the best maintained trails in the state. The Root River Trail is also one of the best. I do not recommend the Soo Line Trail due to lack of maintenance.
Great surface, beautiful farmland. Didn’t make it to the covered bridge.
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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