Paul Bunyan State Trail
🏆 Minnesota’s Longest Trail — 120 Miles Through Lake Country from Brainerd to Bemidji — Updated for 2026 with trail conditions, town stops, bike rental info, and seasonal guide
One hundred and twenty miles of paved trail through the heart of Minnesota lake country — past more than 20 lakes, through 14 trail towns, and alongside forests, wetlands, and prairies that define the best of the North Woods. This is the Paul Bunyan State Trail, stretching from Crow Wing State Park near Brainerd to Lake Bemidji State Park in Bemidji, making it Minnesota’s longest state trail and one of the longest continuously paved rail trails in America.
Following the abandoned grade of the old Burlington Northern Railroad, the trail is smooth, mostly flat, and suitable for cyclists, hikers, and inline skaters of all abilities. Small towns appear every 5-15 miles with ice cream shops, cafes, bike repair stations, and lakeside rest stops — making this an ideal multi-day cycling adventure or a perfect afternoon out-and-back from any of the charming trail towns along the route.
What Makes the Paul Bunyan Trail Epic
120 Miles Paved
Minnesota’s longest state trail — smooth pavement from Brainerd to Bemidji through the heart of lake country.
20+ Lakes
The trail passes more than 20 lakes and 10 rivers, with swimming and fishing opportunities throughout.
14 Trail Towns
Brainerd, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Walker, Hackensack, Bemidji — each with its own charm and amenities.
Chippewa National Forest
A challenging 9-mile rolling segment through the national forest — the trail’s most scenic stretch.
Trail Towns: Brainerd to Bemidji
| Town | Mile | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🏘️ Brainerd/Baxter | 0 | Trail start at Crow Wing SP. Bike rentals, full services |
| 🏘️ Merrifield | ~10 | Quiet lakeside stop |
| 🛍️ Nisswa | ~18 | Charming shopping town. Bike repair station. Great lunch stop |
| 🏘️ Pequot Lakes | ~23 | Visitor center, bean hole days festival, restaurants |
| 🌲 Pine River | ~35 | Bike repair station. Pine River crossing |
| 🏘️ Backus | ~42 | Rural rest stop |
| 🎭 Hackensack | ~50 | Home of “Lucette” (Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend). Quirky small town |
| 🎣 Walker | ~62 | Leech Lake. Resort town. Excellent food. Major rest point |
| 🌲 Chippewa NF | ~65-75 | Rolling hills through national forest — most challenging segment |
| 🏘️ Laporte | ~90 | Small town, rest stop |
| 🐂 Bemidji | 120 | Trail end at Lake Bemidji SP. Paul Bunyan statue. Full services |
When to Ride: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | 70-85°F | 🏆 Perfect riding temps. All town services open. Lake swimming. Longest days |
| 🍂 Fall | Sep–Oct | 45-65°F | 🏆 Spectacular foliage. Fewer riders. Cool riding weather. Some services closing |
| 🌸 Spring | Apr–May | 40-60°F | Trail opening. Wildflowers. Water still cold. Some services not yet open |
| ❄️ Winter | Nov–Mar | -10-25°F | Trail used for snowmobiling. Fat biking in places |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Day Ride | Multi-Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Pass | $6/day | $25/annual | MN Wheel Pass required for ages 16+ |
| Bike Rental | $25-50 | $35-60/day | Available in Brainerd, Nisswa, Walker |
| Lodging | — | $80-150/night | Trail town motels, B&Bs, resorts. Camping $25-35 |
| Food | $15-30 | $30-50/day | Cafes and restaurants in most trail towns |
| Total (per person) | $20-$80 | $150-$300/day | Multi-day tours are the ultimate experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole trail take?
Most cyclists complete the full 120 miles in 2-3 days. Strong riders can do it in one very long day. Many people ride sections — popular segments include Brainerd to Nisswa (18 mi), Walker to Hackensack (12 mi), or the full Chippewa Forest challenge.
Is it really flat?
Mostly yes — it follows a former railroad grade. The exception is the 9-mile Chippewa National Forest section north of Walker, which has rolling hills and curves. Everything else is pancake flat.
Do I need a pass?
Yes — a Minnesota Wheel Pass is required for cyclists aged 16+ ($6/day or $25/annual). Available online or at trail towns.
Can I do a shuttle?
Some outfitters and lodges offer shuttle services for point-to-point rides. Check with local bike shops in Brainerd or Walker.
What’s the Paul Bunyan connection?
The trail is named after the legendary lumberjack — you’ll find his famous statue in Bemidji at the trail’s end, plus “Lucette” (his girlfriend) in Hackensack.
🚴 120 Miles of Minnesota Magic
Start in Brainerd. End in Bemidji. In between: 120 miles of paved trail through a landscape so blue with lakes and green with forest it feels like riding through a postcard. Stop for ice cream in Nisswa. Fish from the trail bridge in Pine River. Challenge yourself through the Chippewa National Forest’s rolling hills. Finish at the Paul Bunyan statue and wonder why every state doesn’t have a trail this good. The Paul Bunyan State Trail is Minnesota at its most rideable — 120 miles of smooth pavement, 14 friendly towns, and more lakes than you can count.
📍 Start: Crow Wing State Park, Brainerd, MN
📍 End: Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji, MN
