The Paul Bunyan Trail
Minnesotans, living in a state known for bitter winters and short summers, have learned to enjoy their summers to the fullest. In a state covered with a web of bike trails, the Paul Bunyan Trail stands out for its beauty, wildlife and accessibility.
The Paul Bunyan Trail winds for 100 miles through the lake country between Baxter and Bemidji. This trail runs through forested areas between small communities. In an area inhabited by both woodland wildlife and waterfowl, the cyclists are certain to see a wonderfully diverse collection of creatures as well as breathtaking lake views.
Abandoned rail lines serve as the basis for the Paul Bunyan Trail. Conservationists from the Department of Natural Resources have transformed the old rail beds into pleasant trails accessing secluded areas between communities. This allows hikers and cyclists to see nature’s beautiful scenery and wildlife in its own habitat.
Summer on the Trail
Cycling on the Paul Bunyan Trail begins in April and continues until snow fall, usually in late October. Trail users will find the woods coming alive in April and May, with an abundance of wild flowers and young wildlife. June through July provides warm days and cool evenings to explore the lake country, perhaps stopping to pull in a walleye and pan fry lunch at one of the many camp sites along the trail. Fall brings the wonder of color to the woodlands. Oak, maple, birch and ash all display the brilliant colors of fall.
SPECIAL NOTE: Fishing licenses for one day are available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for $8.50. Fishing licenses must be purchased in advance and be carried on your person while fishing. Fishing gear is available for rent at several locations along the trail.
Trail Difficulty and Safety
The Paul Bunyan Trail is built on an older rail line, meaning that the trail is relatively flat with most sections having a grade of no more than 3%. This makes for an easy trail for most to ride. Depending on the levels of spring runoff, the trail at Hackensack may be detoured through the community if the trail is too wet for safe travel. This will mean sharing the road with motorized vehicles.
BICYCLING SAFETY & YOUNG CHILDREN
Children who are riding on their own bikes should be at least 8 and able to ride ten to twelve miles between communities. We recommend renting a “third wheel” for children who may tire too quickly. Helmets are strongly recommended for all bikers. On escorted tours, helmets and water bottles are required and provided as part of Minnesota Cycling tour services.
Bike Tour Options at MinnesotaCycling
DAY TRIPS
The most popular one day tour is from Walker to Bemidji. This trip is 37 miles and usually takes six hours to complete. We start at Walker and enjoy the scenic overlooks, stopping for a break and snack at LaPorte. After another 7 miles we will be arrive in Guthrie where we will find a hot meal ready for us. Our lunch spot is on the shores of BauerLake, a small quiet lake nestled in a birch grove. From Guthrie the trail takes us to Bemidji through oak and maples, across bridges and plains. We’ll find cold beverages awaiting us in Bemidji and tour members can ride back to their vehicles in Walker.
MULTI-DAY TRIPS
The most popular multi-day trip is a round trip from Walkerto PequotLakes, a total of about 60 miles, with a lakeside camp at PequotLakes for the evening. However, with 100 miles of trail to explore, their are many ways to enjoy a multi-day trip. Call Minnesota Cycling for assistance with planning an overnight cycling adventure.
Trail Mileage
This reference chart shows the most popular tours. Please note that “Time Required“ to complete a trip can vary due to the weather conditions, and the speed and skill of the cyclists.
Bike Tour / # of Miles / Time RequiredBaxter to Nisswa / 12 miles / 1 to 2 hours
Baxter to PequotLakes / 18 miles / 2 to 2.5 hours
Baxter to Hackensack / 47 miles / 5 to 8 hours
Walker to Bemidji / 37 miles / 4 to 6 hours
Brainerd to Bemidji / 104 miles / Two days (min.)
Baxter to Walker / 62 miles / One day (min.)
Bike Rental
BIKES & EQUIPMENT
Road, mountain and tandem bikes, as well as third wheels, are available for rent at all locations. Helmets and sterilized water bottles are included in your rental.
WHICH BIKE IS FOR YOU
Bike mechanics are available to fit bikes for you. They will also assist you in deciding on the style of bike that is best for your purpose. Tandems are good for two bikers who both contribute to the pedaling, while third wheels are better if the second rider does not contribute.
Recumbent bicycles and tricycles are available for rent only at the Baxter location. The tricycle is an interesting alternative to bicycling. Helmets and water bottles are included with these also.
Groups who are going to travel together should be using similar style of bikes, since the speed you travel is somewhat controlled by the gearing of the bike. The weather also can influence the choice of bike, since some road bikes are not good on wet surfaces.
Trip Dates &Starting Points
DAY TRIPS
Guided trips start at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekends from April 15 through October 15 and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Bike rentals are available for self guided trips from 8 a.m. in April and October, and from 7 a.m. from May through September. Since the summer weekends are the busiest time, reservations are recommended.
Pickup for cyclists and bikes are available from noon to 10:00 p.m. each day. Leave an itinerary and pick up a signal transmitter as you leave our shop. This will allow you to let us know you are ready for pickup in an area with minimal cell phone service.
Trash & Other Regulations
Glass containers are not wise when cycling. Each rental bike comes with a sterilized water bottle. A biodegradable garbage bag is included and can be found in the seat bag on any bike rented from us.
Weather conditions influence the regulations on such things as campfires and off road riding. Please contact the Minnesota DNR ( about the regulations and watch the signs for current fire conditions before starting a campfire or grill. Pets are permitted on the trails but we do not permit them on tours.
Camping
The Paul Bunyan Trail is an ideal area to camp, making your bike tour an overnight wilderness experience. The campgrounds vary in avalable services.
Campgrounds on the Paul Bunyan TrailCrowWingLake Campground / Full service privately owned campground on CrowWingLake; boat and canoe rentals available for lake use; sites available for tents through large travel trailers
Galles’ Upper Cullen Resort and Campground / Full service resort with tent sites through cabins; two miles off the trail at Nisswa;
Mascot Resort and Lodge / Full-service camping near the trail at Hackensack; Lakeside camp sites for tents through trailers
FEES: Vary from $15.75 to $49.50 per night, depending on services and time of week.
SERVICES: Tent sites have a fire pit or fire grate, picnic table, electricity and water; sites for trailers include sewer hook-up. Campgrounds have pay shower, phone access, laundry and various types of activities including boat rentals and hay rides.
RESERVATIONS: The campsights can be reserved by phoning the site. Late comers are welcome if space remains.
CAMPING ALONG THE TRAIL: Backcountry camping is permitted on state lands. This type of camping is the ultimate wilderness experience. However, it requires knowledge of the wildlife and should not be attempted by a first time camper. Contact the Minnesota DNR for backcountry camping tips. Remember that this is bear country.
Plan Your Trip Now!
Pick your options from the chart below:(Personalized itineraries are available.)
Starting Point / Ending Point / Number of Hours/Days / Guide(up to 8 people) / Rental
Road, mountain / Rental
Tandem, recumbent / Third Wheel
Baxter / Nisswa / 4 hours / $50 / $25 / $45 / $10
Walker / Bemidji / 6 hours / $65 / $35 / $55 / $12
Brainerd / Bemidji / 2 – 3 days / $150 / $75 / $120 / $40
Baxter / PequotLakes / 3 hours / $40 / $20 / $35 / $10
Baxter / Walker / 1 day / $75 / $40 / $60 / $15
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