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 natures 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 Minnesota Cycling
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 Bauer Lake, 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. Well 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 Walker to Pequot Lakes, a total of about 60 miles,
with a lakeside camp at Pequot Lakes 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 Required

Baxter to Nisswa

12 miles

1 to 2 hours

Baxter to Pequot Lakes

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

Baxter to Walker

104 miles

62 miles

Two days (min.)

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 (www.dnr.state.mn.us) 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 Trail

Crow Wing Lake Campground

Full service privately owned campground on Crow

Wing Lake; 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

Pequot
Lakes

3 hours

$40

$20

$35

$10

Baxter

Walker

1 day

$75

$40

$60

$15

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