Explore the best rated trails in Fort Ripley, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Glacial Lakes State Trail and Beaver Islands Trail . With more than 15 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 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!
The Rocori Trail begins just east of Richmond as an extension of the Glacial Lakes Trail that trailheads in Willmar, Mn. Rocori takes you up to Cold Spring and a beautiful park and bridge over a roaring river up to Rockville, Mn a small town where the trail dead ends as you can see the rusty old railroad tracks going off into the woods. That's the end of the trail, baby. BUT, as small as Rockville is there is a wonderful bar and eatery called Stoney's Garage. Makes finding the end of the trail a delight.
Trail from Clearwater goes approx 11 miles all paved some new in 2025. Saw horses, deer, rabbits
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.
There are so many more opportunities, would be nice to know who runs this program.
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.
Trail needs some tlc—new paving and not just bandaids. Some of the vistas are truly beautiful and the trail can be fun to ride. Did the entire trail south to north.
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!
Today we drove to Alexandria, picked up the trail there and rode east to where it connects with the Lake Wobegon Trail. Again, bumpy ride.
First time on this trail. Started from Ashby resort, just east of Ashby, Minnesota and rode west for 8 miles. Like that the trail is wide so you can safely ride next to someone and talk. However, there are stretches that are rough from cracks in pavement and root heaves. Sunny Saturday afternoon and only saw 6 other people of the trail. I did ride over a snake that I didn't see in time.
I rode from Albany to West Union. I wish there were long trails like this where I live. Very well maintained and smooth. I hope to take the north leg to the covered bridge also.
Traveling cyclist
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