paul bunyan state trail

You can't go wrong, no matter where you enter this many miles long biking/hilking/walking trail. Right now in September, leaves are starting to turn, yet it is still mild, and there are no bugs! Perfect conditions for a day long cruise, or a half hour run.

We like to bike when we go camping. This was the first time on the Paul Bunyan Trail. We have been on the Heartland trail many times and like that trail. This trail is even nicer. It is paved like the Heartland Trail, but it also appears to have "rest areas" at each town, which is really nice, so you don't have to hunt down a bathroom. My husband, self, and three girls (4,7,10) chose to go from Nisswa to Pequot Lakes and back. I think next year, we will go Brainerd to Nisswa and back. We like to have a "destination", like pizza and ice cream to entice the little ones. Nisswa seems to have more to offer like that than Pequot Lakes had.

We thought we could get on the trail from our resort but brought our bikes to Nisswa & got on. Nice trail, saw deer & other wildlife. It had a nice surface & went for miles.

To clarify, I biked the portion from Laporte, Minnesota south about 5 miles toward Walker and back up, so this review is only for that portion of the trail. The bike trail (one of the rails to trails if you're familiar with that) is paved over from an old railroad. There are not many people using the trail, so if it is solitude you seek, you will find it. The full biking trail goes from near Bemidji to the north, down to Baxter (near Brainerd) in the south, a length of about 120 miles. You will ride by several wooded areas and lakes of varying sizes on your adventure. Pack water, an energy snack, wear sunblock, and mosquito repellent. It was a well-paved trail, perfect for biking. If you have a full day to commit to it, you can probably ride the whole distance. I hope to do this someday when I return.

This trail was the best planned trail... I HIGHLY recommend. It also has a bonus; the beautiful arboretum is right next to it.

I've only been on parts of the trail around the Brainerd and Nisswa areas, but that section provides some wonderful lake views not available from highways and roads. The trail is well kept and well labeled. It takes you right through several key shopping and food break areas in Nisswa. If you're walking or running, bring your bug spray for those trail portions that cut through the deep woods. There's a nicely remodeled set of public restrooms right next to the trail at the Nisswa depot.

We were staying at Good Ol Days Family Resort in Nisswa for a large family reunion; we enjoyed our walks along Paul Bunyan State Trail from the resort into town.We realize this is only part of the larger trail but it was still pleasant.

Beautiful trail with breathtaking views of quiet lakes and dense forest, with places to stop and explore about every 6 or 7 miles.

Great place to take a scenic, quiet walk. The trail is accessible from many entry points and is used by walkers, and bikers in summer; snowmobilers and skiers in winter. It is a well maintained trail traversing many different ecosystems, allowing communion with nature while exercising.

I love biking the Paul Bunyan Trail. It's beautifully paved, mostly flat, and very scenic. I use it, but also bike around many nearby lakes along the way. I especially love that it goes right through my favorite small town - Nisswa, MN. Such a quaint, little town! Trailblazer Bikes is located right on the trail, so if I have guests in from out of town, they can rent bikes there, and ride right out the back door onto the trail. Also, if I need some biking equipment or repair, they are very helpful. I love the coffee shops in Nisswa and, of course, the shopping. Enjoy the ride!

Try the full length of the PB Trail to gain the full experience! Every town is a little different and has something different and fun to offer! Pine River has a lovely park & recreation area along the shores of the Pine River, a tributary of the Mississippi River! It's just five blocks, right, off the PB Trail! Grab a cool drink, pedal down and cool your heels in the "Pine"! Great break! Pine River prides itself by being "The Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail"! Yes, it all began in Pine River in 1983!

I love the trail. I run it, I walk it. It is convenient, peaceful, and can be an hour long event or an entire day. I live near Nisswa and have to visit the chocolate ox for ice cream when I finish or go to Rafferty's on main street for a great pizza.

This is the best bike trail we have ever ridden. We live in Cali and have ridden along the coast and around some back country, for comparison. This trail, particularly the segment from Nisswa to Baxter, is absolutely delightful, you'll ride by pristine lakes and meadows and through some forested areas as well. The trail is well-maintained and for the most part, nearly flat. You can make a work-out of it by challenging yourself to ride 12+ mph : ) Northward from Nisswa, the trail offers more services and interesting little towns to explore: Nisswa is the queen of them all, but Piquot Lakes is sweet, too. We stopped in Pine Lakes and had a sundae at the 50's style fountain restaurant. Our rented bikes came from Trailblazer Bikes out of Nisswa, which we highly recommend.

This is one of our favorite trails in Minnesota. Particularly the stretch from Brainard to Nisswa. Nice flat trail with minimal road crossings and plenty to do at each end. This portion of the trail is not parallel to the road so it feels remote. The flies can be bad a t times so be prepared for that. The trail is very flat and well maintained. It is an excellent ride for fall colors.

We enjoyed many walks on this trail in three days we were in town. The paved trail makes for a great walk. Lots of trees, wildlife and plenty of parking at the trail head. The memorial bridge is also very neat. We would love to ride the trail to nearby towns one day but didn't have our bikes with us. Many people were riding bikes on the trail. Loved it. This will be a major reason we return to the Brainerd/Baxter area.