Bikers will discover some of Minnesota’s premier
bike trails in the Byway region. From observing nature on wheels to covering
some serious distance, you’ll find the trail that leads to your interest...and
perhaps an adventure you’ll never forget.
ITASCA STATE PARK
The Park’s main bike trail is a beautiful,
18-mile paved bike trail around the east side of Lake Itasca. Bikers
can also follow Wilderness Drive. This 11-mile scenic drive, shared
with vehicles, follows the undeveloped west side of Lake Itasca. The
six mile paved trail offers views of Lake Itasca and the Headwaters.
GADBOLT LAKE
8-mile trail that’s easy-to-moderate. Located
in the Shingobee Area, south of Hwy. 34 near Walker.
HANSON LAKE
15-mile trail rated easy-to-moderate. Located east
of Walker off Hwy. 200.
STONY POINT
Rated easy-to-moderate, the Stony Point bike trail
offers a campground, picnic area and a view of Leech Lake at Stony
Point Beach. Located northeast of Walker at Agency Bay, off CR 13.
HEARTLAND TRAIL
This 27-mile, multi-use, paved rail-to-trail system
is Minnesota’s oldest and one of its best known bike routes.
The Trail travels between Walker and Park Rapids along Hwy. 34. The
Trail is 50 miles long, traversing quiet forests, skirting ponds and
lakes and passing over railroad trestles. It has a smooth surface
with a grade of less than 3%. The Heartland Trail also goes through
the towns of Akeley, Nevis and Dorset. Contact the Leech Lake or Park
Rapids Chambers for trail head locations.
PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL
The eastern side of the Byway near Walker has access
to the 100-mile trail from Brainerd to Bemidji. It is an increasingly
popular trail for biking and snowmobiling.
NORTHERN PINES AND LAKE LOOP
123-mile loop route through woods and lakes. Starts
at Heartland State Trail.
CEDAR BOG–Near Walker
MI-GE-ZI TRAIL–NearWalker
BIKING AREA EVENTS SEPTEMBER
Ladies Loppet Mountain Bike Race, at Maplelag,
Detroit Lakes
Park Rapids Headwaters 100 Bike Ride
For more information on a particular attraction,
contact the local chamber of commerce nearest the event.
