Find the top rated hiking trails in Sartell, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hiking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
The trail is incomplete in several sections, and route you through some neighborhoods and along some busier roads. There is also a construction project by Coons Dam without a very good reroute available. (Summer 2026) but we look forward to writing her again.
The trail runs along a fairly busy road and it can be a bit loud. Paved areas are in good shape and some older sidewalk is in lesser shape and a bit rough. Nice views of Buffalo Lake and the North Fork Crow River.
Elm Creek has always been a fun place for us to ride and it’s close to where we are. The trails are maintained nicely a lot of variance in wooded to prairie, rides by the water, there are small hills and curves. We don’t see deer a lot but they are out there. We’ve seen them a few times if we want to put on 20 miles that’s just about a loop around. There are many off ramps that will put you into Champlin and Anoka neighborhood trails as well. On the north end there’s a BMX track that seems pretty lengthy. We did a piece of it with our E bikes but it’s not really designed for that and especially not for 70-year-old people on E bikes, but it was an adventure if you add in the playground and the swimming area and the frisbee golf you can easily spend a day out there
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
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 rode from east Medicine Lake Park to Fish Lake Regional Park. Except for a few miles along a noisy 4 lane road it was a pretty trail. Parts of trail appeared to have been recently resurfaced. But other parts were very rough. I missed 1 turn off because of no signage, but was able to get back on track with Trail Link map.
We rode part of it and found asphalt surface in good condition. A few places near town had some bumps but most of the surface was smooth. Trail was well marked with signs and where it crossed a road had signs to warn drivers. There were some walkers on the trail but at the time we rode it wasn’t crowded at all. I wish we had time to ride more of it. Most of the tail we were on was adjacent to streets but they were low traffic so it wasn’t noisy and was very pleasant riding conditions some spots had very nice view of the lake.
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!
The Rocori Trail begins just east of Richmond as an extension of the Glacial Lakes Trail that trailheads in Willmar, Mn. Rocori takes you up to Cold Spring and a beautiful park and bridge over a roaring river up to Rockville, Mn a small town where the trail dead ends as you can see the rusty old railroad tracks going off into the woods. That's the end of the trail, baby. BUT, as small as Rockville is there is a wonderful bar and eatery called Stoney's Garage. Makes finding the end of the trail a delight.
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