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The Lake Country Scenic Byway offers the traveler
access to over one-million acres of forest along its 88-mile corridor.
The forests are home to the more than 1,000 lakes, rivers, streams and
wildlife that are the essence of the Byway experience. Some of the state’s
premier biking, hiking and recreational trails run through this spectacular
woodland environment.
CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST
The total Chippewa National Forest acreage is 1.6 million
acres, with 660,000 acres managed by the Chippewa National Forest. The
Chippewa, the first ever National Forest, is over half water and its terrain
is a result of the glaciers that blanketed northern Minnesota 10,000 years
ago. There are over 700 lakes, 920 miles of streams and 150,000 acres
of wetlands. The Forest is home to the largest breeding population of
bald eagles in the lower 48 states. It has been inhabited by peoples for
thousands of years and is home to logging history and Civilian Conservation
Corps sites.
The western portion of the Chippewa National Forest
near Walker and Leech Lake adjoins the Byway. Some of this area’s
highlights include:
• Stony Point On Leech Lake: The campground
is surrounded by old growth forests, some over 200
years old. • Lake Erin: Includes a picnic area and one-mile interpretive
wetland trail around the lake. Adjacent to the North
Country Trail. • Woodtick Auto Tour: Observe natural, interpretive
and historic sites on this auto tour though the Chippewa.
• The Leech Lake Reservation inhabits a large
part of the Chippewa Forest. • Shingobee Recreation
Area
This section of the Forest has trails and a toboggan
slide and sledding area. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the
site in the early 1930s.
Chippewa National Forest Multi-Use Trails-Walker
Area There are many biking, hiking, interpretive, hunter, walking and
auto trails in the Walker District of the Chippewa National Forest.
Some are close to the Trail and others just a short side trip away.
For more information on location and trail conditions, contact the Walker
Ranger District: 218- 547-1044.
TWO INLETS STATE FOREST
Over 26,000 acres set in a landscape that’s
gently rolling to hilly, with scattered lowlands. Two Inlets Trail provides
over 27 miles of snowmobile trail that connects to other area trails.
Two Inlets Lake provides good fishing. This state forest is known for
excellent hunting of deer, ruffed grouse and small game. Indian Creek
Water Impoundment provides habitat for waterfowl. Located about 10 miles
north of Park Rapids west of Hwy. 71.
SMOKY HILLS STATE FOREST
Rolling-to-moderately steep slopes characterize this
nearly 24,000-acre forest. Smoky Hills offers 30 miles of snowmobile
trails and exceptional hunting for deer and grouse. South half of the
forest is good for fall foliage viewing. Pick fruit and mushrooms. Located
10 miles west of Park Rapids off Hwy. 34.
HUNTERSVILLE STATE FOREST
This 16,448-acre forest has rolling-to-flat land,
famed for its jack and Norway pine mixed with aspen, spruce, tamarack
and northern hardwoods and clear streams. The major attraction is the
beauty of the Shell and Crow Wing Rivers that flow through the forest.
The excellent boating and canoeing route traverses 80 miles of river.
There are two canoe outfitters in the area. Wilderness campsites occur
at three-to seven-mile intervals. Located south of Park Rapids, off
Hwy. 87 on CR 25.
PAUL BUNYAN STATE FOREST
Over 72,000 acres of terrain that’s rough and
hilly, with many tiny ponds and bogs. Paul Bunyan State Forest has 50
miles of groomed snowmobile trails and 15 miles of ungroomed trails.
The hiking and X-C ski trail located near Mantrap Lake is two miles
in length. Located just north of Akeley on Hwy. 6.
WHITE EARTH STATE FOREST
160,502 acres of rolling hills and lakes, 4/5th of
which is variegated forest and 1/5th is lowland brush and marsh. Almost
all of this forest is within the boundaries of the White Earth Indian
Reservation. The Shuttlebug Nature Trail is popular for summer hiking.
It has 70 miles of marked and groomed snowmobile trails. Located about
20 miles north of Park Rapids on Hwy. 71, then west off Hwy. 113.
The White Earth Indian Reservation,
holds an annual Powwow; the first one was held in 1862.
BADOURA STATE FOREST
The Badoura State forest surrounds the state nursery,
which consists of approximately 200 acres, with 140 acres under cultivation.
Almost 50 million trees are growing at the nursery. Seedlings species
produced include Norway pine, jack pine, white pine, white spruce, black
spruce, black walnut, green ash, red oak, silver maple and wild plum.
The public is welcome to take the Badoura Woodland Tour near the nursery.
The 15,360-acre forest and nursery are located 10 miles south of Akeley
off Hwy. 64.
For more information contact the local chamber
of commerce:
Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber:
http://www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Park Rapids Area Chamber:
http://www.parkrapids.com
Leech Lake Area Chamber:
http://www.leech-lake.com
Itasca State Park:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us
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