Find the top rated hike trails in Nisswa, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We wanted a wilderness trail. The PB runs too close to Rte 371 for too many miles. It's a busy busy road and you hear traffic, see traffic and are exposed to traffic for many miles. We checked the trail map and just ended up riding out and back sections that were away from roads. The best was LaPorte to Guthrie. We also rode from Lake Bemidji State Park south which felt too urban and tried south from Walker cutting over to the Heartland trail down to Ackeley. There was a small portin outside Walker that was nice, but once again we turned back to Walker when the road traffic became oppresive. Lots of riders on most sections. We would not ride again.
We were looking for a long ride to experience woods, fields and nature. This trail had too many miles alongside roads with lots of traffic. So disheartening. Best to ride the sections out and back that do not parallel roads; those sections are spectacular but they are too few. Too many people. Too many cars. It felt suburban. The best section for us was Laporte to Guthrie.-Truly remote. Check the trail map before you go.
Started at Crow wing State Park headed north. The first five mile through the park are exceptional. Lots of curves and ups and downs. Most enjoyable. Other wise it is a classic Rails to Trail. Straight and gentle grades through forested and farmed lands with lakes to view along the way. Close to roads but mostly with screen of forests between the trail and the roads, The section from Pine River north to Hackensack is freshly paved and glass-.smooth. They’ve done a wonderful job. And I highly recommend making a trip to ride that section
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!
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 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.
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!
This is a beautiful, easy , fun trail! There are many great spots to stop and explore or eat. Dorset and Nevis are great places to eat along the route. The Northern end of the trail follows along Leech Lake which was very beautiful too! I would highly recommend it!
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.
Enjoyed the mostly level, well maintained surface. Need some bathrooms or places to get water. Did a century ride one day, great trail but signage needs improvement. Around the Walker area very confusing. Trail around Lake Bimidji and into Bimidji state park was a beautiful ride. Stayed at the Comfort Inn in Bimidji, lakeview room. Awesome.
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