Explore the best rated trails in Grand Rapids, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Paul Bunyan State Trail and Soo Line Trail (Northern Route) . With more than 10 trails covering 658 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.
My husband and I rode the Mesabi trail in early September. The maples were just beginning to change and fall was in the air. It’s a beautiful well-maintained trail. We liked the variety of up and down, something you don’t always get on a strictly rail trail. The small towns along the way are charming. However, know that you are often riding on streets and some towns have better signage than others. Notes from SpiketheBiker were especially helpful. (Referenced below.) We are 65 year olds who ride in Colorado and Wyoming with hills and wind. We usually do anywhere from 20 to 40 mile rides 2 - 3 times a week. We bikepacked from Grand Rapids to Ely in 3 days, (loaded with 20 lb panniers) staying in campgrounds most nights. We did get rerouted around Giant’s Ridge due to work on the trail and ended up just riding the highway all the way into Tower (25 miles). It had an OK shoulder most of the way, but would not recommend riding it with weekend traffic. It was hard to find many details about the trail online until I found SpiketheBiker’s post on Trip Advisor dated June 26, 2023. A big shoutout to them. The post was helpful and accurate. Several had mentioned a long 8% grade hill which had me a bit concerned, but never really said where it was and I never figured it out either. There are definitely some leg burning hills, but the only one that caused me to stop several times was one on the highway to Tower, other than that the others were manageable and I didn’t think terribly long even riding loaded. Our favorite part was between Tower and Ely. It is the newest and smoothest section. Absolutely beautiful at the top by Eagle’s Nest where we did see a bear, but it seemed more scared of us than we were of it. We stayed at Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids, Chisholm Iron Trail Campground in Chisholm, and Hoodoo Campground in Tower (although the Vermillion state park might have been a better choice because you don’t have to leave the trail and it’s less expensive, but also no showers). A big shoutout to Ron and Lara in Ely for the warm shower and bed. Also recommend Brainstorm Cafe in Ely for coffee/tea/smoothies and bakery goodies. Yum! Highly recommend the Mesabi Trail even though it’s not a rail trail per se, it is just the right amount of challenge. There are also plenty of entry points to do out and backs if you don’t want to do the whole trail.
Rode the trail the week of August 11, 2025....rode from Virginia to Biwabik, Virginia to Chisholm, Hibbing to Keewatin, and Tower to Ely. Tower to Ely was by far the part of the trail that was in the best condition...the others were a bit rough in spots. Tower to Ely had a couple good climbs in them. Thought the signage for the trail could be better. There are places to go to the bathroom along the way, although not always that frequent. However, if it's a hot day...make sure you have enough water as there are no spots to fill up.
This is not, I believe, a flat, converted railroad line. It is hilly, but flying down the hills is part of the fun. The blacktop can be bumpy with tree roots. You'll pass abandoned open-pit mines, now filled with gorgeous, turquoise water. The trail is full of the proud history of the iron mining that helped win World War II. Some of the tiny towns have seen better days, but all are part of the story. Would have appreciated more ice cream shops and cute lunch places along the way. Bar food too often was the only option. Can't wait for the final leg, Tower to Ely, to be completed (2026?). Greatly recommend in Hibbing the Red Rock Hotel. Newly renovated, reasonably priced, and HIGHLY accommodating to bikers with friendly, personalized service.
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.
The trail from Ely to Tower is simply the best. The smooth pavement, the beautiful forest gives the rider a wonderful experience. You feel you should expect wildlife of any kind could pop out from the trees.
Great bathroom at Tower's trail access.
The Gilbert to Chisholm ride had more 'bumps' but still provided a neat, scenic trip. Each mining town shared their proud history in some type of display.
Black Bear Bakery in Chisholm made the best donuts.
I am eager to see the new trail updates later in summer of 2025 and 2026 between Embarrass and Tower so the trail will be complete.
Do your homework before riding, the picture accompanying the trail description is misleading. ATVs are allowed on some sections of the trail.
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.
Rode from Ely to Mountain Iron. Loved the scenery and the history. Towns are great! Will be back to ride the rest!
Enjoyed the trail for about 30 miles coming Grand Rapids. Loved the change in landscape and the floating bridge. The biggest issues is the signing is poor when coming into each city. Sometimes the arch is in the city and the trail goes off another way. Need better signing.
We biked the roughly 23 mile trail that connects Tower to Ely and it is absolutely spectacular! The condition of the trail is perfect and the scenery is so beautiful! I am sure the rest of the 90+ miles of this trail are amazing too! Can’t wait to explore more-I’ve bike all over the country and this trail is second to none… Biking friends-Put this trail on your bucket list! Come to NE Minnesota!
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