Explore the best rated trails in Isle, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Willard Munger State Trail (Hinckley-Duluth) and Sunrise Prairie Trail . With more than 12 trails covering 554 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.
I’ve ran on this trail many times and like it. But I wish there were a couple porta potties. That’s about my only complaint! Also there’s quite a few mosquitos in the summer, so don’t plan to stop during your run or bike.
While a bit rougher than the southern half or the western part of the midland trail; the Paul Bunyan is a very good experience. I used Soulshine cycles In Walker to shuttle me and my luggage. They are a top notch service and I highly recommend them to you. While the pavement is a bit rougher in some locations it was not dangerous or distracting . My late September trip hit a weather window most people could die for. L
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.
We rode from Hinkley to Duluth one day, stayed in Duluth 2 nights then returned back to Hinkley. This trail is very pretty and we appreciated the 2 areas with park pavilions next to the trail that included electricity and bathroom options.
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.
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.
Mostly a flat trail from Elk River to Zimmerman. You can make it almost 20 miles if you bike from Elk River to the Smokehouse on Hwy 4 in Zimmerman. Take the outside routes in Woodlands Trails Park and keep going around the Elk River Golf course. Early mornings and later evenings you may see both turkey and deer along the routes. It's an enjoyable easy route and I'm looking forward to the expansion north.
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.
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