PAUL BUNYAN bike trail guide

Paved and mountain bike tours for all skills. Trails from 6 to 160 miles through parks,forests and along sparkling sky blue lakes.

Nice Ride bike share rentals and shuttle service available.

150 acres of

single- track

mountain bike trails

.

Challenging fun

for all skill levels.

Mountain Bike Trail

s

First City on the Mississippi 877-250-5959VisitBemidji.com

1446MNBikeTrails_Summer_7_487_4152015.indd 1 4/16/15 10:17 AM

Shop. Bike. Eat. Repeat.

ASSOCIATIONwww.mnbiketrail.com

Crow Wing State Park to the Chippewa Forest Riders can catch glimpses of the Mississippi River on their way through the park towards Brainerds Northland Arboretum. The Brainerd lakes area is a favorite with tourists seeking an Up North experience with creature comforts. Countless resorts, hotels and campgrounds cater to cyclists and are located near the trail. The area has a large number of hiking and cross-country ski trails, too. North of Brainerd youll find wetlands, gardens and the little towns of Merrifield and Lake Hubert. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the many area lakes on the way to Nisswa. Downtown Nisswa is a bustling tourist town with many shops and restaurants to explore. Stop for a tour of the historic pioneer village and regular turtle races throughout the summer.

The Pequot Lakes Visitors Center is a good place to rest and recharge. Rumor has it Paul Bunyans bobber now serves as the towns water tower. Stop and take a rest in Paul Bunyans chair at Bobber Park.

At the Pine River Information Center you can see vintage displays, including a pair of Paul Bunyans baby shoes, big enough to stand in. You can meet Paul Bunyans girlfriend, Lucette,

Approaching Lake Bemidji State Park on the northernmost stretch of the Paul Bunyan Trail. Dave Simpkins photo.

in Hackensack, home to an annual chainsaw carving festival.

Keep an eye out for carved critters along the trail, like Colonel Cobber in Backus. This 10-foot chainsaw carving of a corncob man is a favorite picture opportunity with cyclists.

After Hackensack, youll come to a Y intersection. Go left and ride the hilly section of the Paul Bunyan Trail through Chippewa National Forest to the intersection with the Heartland Trail west of Walker. Go right and take the easier Shingobee Trail into Walker from the south. Both routes connect to downtown

Minnesota Trails Summer 2015 37

1505Summer.indd 37 5/5/15 1:46 PM