Federal Dam, MN Running Trails and Maps

100 Reviews

Looking for the best Running trails around Federal Dam?

Find the top rated running trails in Federal Dam, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
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Type
10 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Heartland State Trail

49 mi
State: MN
Asphalt

Itasca State Park Bike Trail

5.8 mi
State: MN
Asphalt

Mesabi Trail

155 mi
State: MN
Asphalt, Gravel

Paul Bunyan State Trail

121.7 mi
State: MN
Asphalt

Shingobee Connection Trail

6.8 mi
State: MN
Asphalt

Blue Ox Trail (Voyageur Trail)

96.5 mi
State: MN
Ballast, Dirt

Taconite State Trail

165 mi
State: MN
Asphalt, Ballast, Dirt, Grass, Gravel

Soo Line Trail (Northern Route)

113 mi
State: MN
Ballast, Gravel

Alborn-Pengilly Trail

42 mi
State: MN
Ballast, Gravel

Circle L Trail

10 mi
State: MN
Dirt, Grass
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
The Heartland State Trail is one of many long-distance trails managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. When established in 1974, it became one of the first rail-trail conversions in...
MN 49 mi Asphalt
Itasca State Park is famous as the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, which starts as shallow, 18-inch deep stream out of Lake Itasca and flows 2,400 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors...
MN 5.8 mi Asphalt
Traversing the incredibly scenic Iron Range region of northern Minnesota, the Mesabi Trail is well on its way to becoming one of the longest rail-trails in the United States. When completed, the...
MN 155 mi Asphalt, Gravel
The Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches 119 miles from Bemidji to Brainerd, is one of the longest rail-trails in the country. The multiuse, fully paved trail is mainly for nonmotorized use;...
MN 121.7 mi Asphalt
The Shingobee Connection Trail, spanning nearly 7 miles, offers a key link between two much longer rail-trails—the Paul Bunyan State Trail and Heartland State Trail—making it possible to travel more...
MN 6.8 mi Asphalt
The Blue Ox–Voyageur Trail is a multi-use trail that permits ATVs and snowmobiles. It also accommodates mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians along the former railroad right-of-way between...
MN 96.5 mi Ballast, Dirt
The Taconite State Trail runs for 165 miles between Grand Rapids and Ely, Minnesota, but only the first 6 miles in Grand Rapids are paved. Most of the trail is used in winter for snowmobiling and...
MN 165 mi Asphalt, Ballast, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
Unlike the traditional rail trail, which are often most used by bikers, the Soo Line Trail is primarily an ATV trail and is composed of a primarily rough dirt and gravel surface. The trail runs for...
MN 113 mi Ballast, Gravel
The Alborn-Pengilly Trail runs for 42 miles along a former railroad corridor between Pengilly and Alborn. The easy terrain is a mix of woodland, lakes and wetlands, open space, and the occasional...
MN 42 mi Ballast, Gravel
The Circle L Trail follows an abandoned logging railroad grade, which was used during the logging of the Bigfork River valley during the early 1900s. The trail passes through George Washington State...
MN 10 mi Dirt, Grass

Recent Trail Reviews

Paul Bunyan State Trail

Walker area notes

July, 2025 by jzonoak

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!

Paul Bunyan State Trail

Noticeable Expansion Cracks

June, 2025 by greghine_tl

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.

Mesabi Trail

Fantastic Trail Experience!

June, 2025 by christopherolley

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.

Accordion

Taconite State Trail

Do your homework before riding, the picture accompanying the trail description is misleading. ATVs are allowed on some sections of the trail.

May, 2025 by skiyaker

Do your homework before riding, the picture accompanying the trail description is misleading. ATVs are allowed on some sections of the trail.

Paul Bunyan State Trail

Watch out for rough spots

August, 2024 by askrens

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.

Mesabi Trail

Fabulous

August, 2024 by lkgatu

Rode from Ely to Mountain Iron. Loved the scenery and the history. Towns are great! Will be back to ride the rest!

Heartland State Trail

A perfect ride

August, 2024 by 8xshdh9bmw

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!

Blue Ox Trail (Voyageur Trail)

Blue ox ATV Trail

August, 2024 by nyaraj

There is no ATV parking at Bemidji State Park. ATVs are not allowed in the park. I had to drive to Northome to find a place to park to unload my ATV., in an unmarked grassy area near Highway 71 and highway 46, immediately west of the blue ox ATV Trail. The trail was in good shape with numerous small mud puddles. I then rode south to where the blue ox ATV Trail ended at Bemidji State Park, then returned to my starting point of Northome wethen rode back to my starting point in

Itasca State Park Bike Trail

Lots of inclines…

August, 2024 by 8xshdh9bmw

…but a gorgeous trail. We were headed to the Headwaters, on the bike trail. Just after mile marker 1, we cut our losses, and biked back to the Douglas Lodge, and then made our way to the Headwaters. There are several entrances into the Park, with carting distances to the Headwaters.

Mesabi Trail

Enjoyed the trail but confusing directions

August, 2024 by pauldspain

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.

Mesabi Trail

Most beautiful & well maintained trail!

July, 2024 by hmeier23

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!

Itasca State Park Bike Trail

Itasca Park trail

June, 2024 by bethmcc

Was a beautiful trail to ride. Only small amounts of bumps on the asphalt, which were well marked with spray paint. It was riding through the forest and many large old white pines. There were hills but it was fun. At the north end of the trail is the Mississippi Headwaters. As well as a cafe and gift shop which was nice. We unfortunately forgot our wallets - so no ice cream :(. Also the beautiful visitor center on the south end of the trail was really informative. We were quite impressed.

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