Stretching over 120 miles from Brainerd to Bemidji, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is one of the longest paved recreational trails in the country — a ribbon of smooth asphalt winding through the lake-studded heart of north-central Minnesota. Named for the legendary lumberjack whose oversized statue greets visitors in Brainerd, the trail follows a converted railroad corridor through pine forests, wetlands, and more than a dozen small towns where you can refuel with a burger or an ice cream cone without ever losing your rhythm.

Cyclists love this trail for its gentle grade and well-maintained surface, making it accessible to families with young riders and seasoned tourers alike. In winter, the unpaved shoulders welcome snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers find groomed sections near Bemidji. Walkers, joggers, and inline skaters share the path during warmer months. The route passes through the Brainerd Lakes area, one of Minnesota’s most popular vacation regions, where detours to Mille Lacs Lake, Lake Bemidji State Park, or the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues are practically mandatory.

Several state parks and campgrounds sit within easy reach of the trail, including Crow Wing State Park near Brainerd and Lake Bemidji State Park at the northern terminus, both offering tent and RV sites.

Late June through September delivers the best riding conditions — warm days, long light, and wildflowers lining the corridor. Fall brings spectacular color but shorter windows. Pack water, a patch kit, and sunscreen. The towns are friendly, but the stretches between them are beautifully empty.

Explore Nearby

• Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota