Explore the best rated trails in Staples, MN, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Heartland State Trail and Shingobee Connection Trail . With more than 11 trails covering 478 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 loved biking this trail. We biked from Akeley to Dorset and back. If camping, it’s easy from Akeley City Park and Campground. It’s located next to the trail and although we stayed only one night,they allowed us to keep our camper van there during our ride and clean up afterwards before we headed on our way. The couple who run the facility could not have been nicer. And don’t miss the museum in town.
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!
Passes through farmland, a state park and by lakes. Places to stop at either end..as well as in the middle. Blackboard is great!
This is a nicely maintained trail from Pelican Rapids to Perham. One section is more difficult if you are not using e-bikes.
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 didn’t ride too far as wind was kicking our butts. Review is for the eastern part of the trail. The Perham & Macdonald lake sections. The trail is very smooth and you do go by some lakes. But no tree cover so you are really exposed to the wind. The entire trail is close to the highway sometimes only a few feet. With so many other beautiful trails in MN will not be back to this one. I will take a few bumps on the trail to have some tree cover and peaceful atmosphere.
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 had a great day on the trail, from Dorset to Nevis. Exactly the type of ride we needed after our other summer activities including walks and swimming. Stopped at the Iron Horse for a late lunch. Met fellow travelers, including a woman doing a 100 mile bike trek!
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!
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