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The Lake Country Scenic Byway is a haven for all
hiking and nature enthusiasts. There are more than 20 sites, forests,
recreation areas, parks, etc. throughout the area’s territory. Some
of the most popular are:
NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL/CHIPPEWA
NATIONAL FOREST
This is America’s longest foot trail, crossing
the northern US from New York To North Dakota. The trail is part of
the 3,200-mile National Scenic Trail from Appalachian Trail in New York
to the Lewis and Clark Trail in North Dakota. The Minnesota section
totals 390 miles and is the state’s longest for backpacking opportunities.
The section of the Trail in the Chippewa National Forest is 68-miles
long, meandering through a pristine terrain of lakes and forests. Hikers
can enjoy the cool waters of many back country lakes and white pine
forests, lakes, wetlands, pine and hardwood forests. Old homesteads
are hidden in the Woodtick Fields. The trail is not finished through
portions of Hubbard County.
COUNTY ROAD 50
8-mile hiking and hunter walking trail located 6
miles south of Walker on CR 50.
LAKE ERIN
Interpretive trail and picnic area around Lake Erin.
6 km. trail is a great family trail for viewing wildlife, lake sand
wetlands. Adjacent to the North Country Scenic Trail. Located 7 miles
southeast of Walker along Hwy. 371.
SHINGOBEE TRAIL
6 miles of trails in the national recreation area
for hiking and hunter walking. Offers scenic vistas and rolling hills.
Located 5 miles south of Walker on Hwy. 34.
HEARTLAND TRAIL
50-mile route on an old railroad grade passing through
thePaul Bunyan State Forest. Traverses farmland interspersed with lakes,
wetlands and woods.
ITASCA STATE PARK HIKING &
NATURE TRAILS
The historic state park has over 30 miles of trails
with 32,690 acres of lakes and virgin pine forests. Variety of difficulty
levels, rolling terrain with some steep hills. Self-guided tours &
naturalists. 27 species of orchids, 6,000 acres of old growth red and
white pine historic trees; * Landmark & Blow Down Interpretive Trails-Short
tail to view historic buildings and natural interpretation. * Bohall
Wilderness & Big White Pine Trails-To see old growth pines. * Dr.
Roberts Self-Guided Nature Trail-To see flowers * See additional Itasca
State Park description under Parks & Refuges.
TAMARAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
There are miles of hiking and interpretive trails
in this premier wildlife sanctuary for viewing birds and wildlife. (See
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge description under Parks & Refuges.)
WHITE EARTH STATE FOREST
65 miles of dual purpose forest roads and 70 miles
of trails. Shuttlebug Nature Trail is a popular summertime hiking trail.
OTHER AREA TRAILS INCLUDE...
• Paul Bunyan Trail
• Mi-Ge-Zi Trail
• Cedar Bog
• Oak Point Trail
• Stony Point Recreation Area Trail
• Paul Bunyan State Forest
• Mississippi Headwaters River Trail
• Crow Wing River
• Two Inlets State Forest
• Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
• Detroit Lakes Management District/Prairie-Marsh
Trail & Boardwalk
• Dunton Locks County Park
For more hiking opportunities or other trail systems
also see Birding, Biking, Forests and Parks & Refuges. 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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