They say there’s a place for everyone who wants to ride great trails in northwest Minnesota. Whether you prefer smooth paved trails, road routes or mountain biking trails, you’ll find them all in this region.
The Leech Lake/Walker area is near the intersection of the well-known Heartland and Paul Bunyan state trails. The Paul Bunyan Trail spans from the Brainerd Lakes area north to Bemidji. This trail provides experiences for every level of bike rider. The town of Walker, conveniently located along the trail, provides unique shopping, dining and accommodation options.
To the west of Walker, the Heartland Trail, which is built along the abandoned level railroad grade, travels through quaint towns with fun stops for breaks and relaxation. You might even find an ice cream cone along the way. The trail continues to Park Rapids, which boasts a vibrant downtown, great community events and convenient lodging options. Itasca State Park, north of Park Rapids, offers a recently updated bike trail system that connects with nature at its finest.
In the town of Detroit Lakes, bikers can enjoy riding in the park areas found within the city limits. Enjoy the sandy beach right in town along Detroit Lake, dine at one of the fine restaurants, and find lodging options to suit every need. Check out fun events for the family to enjoy.
Thief River Falls is home to a 48-acre wooded trail system that combines both paved and unpaved trails. Maps are available, and you can easily choose your preferred route. The town is a popular destination for Canadian visitors, with great camping and lodging destinations.
While Lake of the Woods is famous for it big lake and big fishing, you can find some untapped biking options here. While there are no mountains near Lake of the Woods, “and even small hills are scarce,” the area does offer several routes for mountain biking. The forest roads surrounding the Faunce State Forest Campground, about 13 miles south of Williams, offer several loop routes that add up to about 30 miles of riding.