Find the top rated hike trails in Park Rapids, 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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This trail is complete through Maplewood State Park. I have not started in pelican Rapids nor finished all the way to Perham. I started on the west side of Maplewood, through it and several miles beyond. Yes there is a section that is quite hilly and I was thankful for my E bike.
The trails around this park are awesome. Although only 5.2 miles it is a lovely trail, which is different when you go the opposite direction to make it over 10 miles. I did not start in battle Lake. There is a nice gift shop and friendly staff.. Thoroughly enjoyed being here.
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!
Trail was what we expected, pretty flat but it was an old rail bed and still in great shape. Started in Walker. Stopped to see Paul Bunyan in Akeley. Stopped in Nevis. It was so much fun, they were having their BBQ Fest, music and water show and we didn’t even know until we got there! Stopped in Dorset had great food at 218 Tavern. Continued to Park Rapids. Finished the day by driving to Itasca State Park, well worth the drive! Enjoy the trails!
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.
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.
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