The Brainerd Lakes Area is home to world-class recreational trails, such as the more than 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail that connects Brainerd to Bemidji and, on the Cuyuna Range, the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail and the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Biking Trails. Our trails in this outdoor paradise are open to walking, inline skating and all range of bicycling. Check out this YouTube video!
Crow Wing State Park Eight miles south of Brainerd/Baxter and just next door to the Brainerd Lakes Area Welcome Center is beautiful Crow Wing State Park. Located along the Mississippi River, the park offers 18 miles of hiking trails, overnight camping and canoeing along the scenic river.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
To the east, the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area features a multi-use trail system - showcasing the state's first mountain biking trail, a 22-mile system with options for people of all skill levels - as well as a seven-mile paved system that will one day link to the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Find a map of the state trails here and discover more information about the mountain biking trails and links to the International Mountain Biking Association. More Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Biking Trails Maps
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail is a world-class bicycling route that travels from the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, through the Brainerd Lakes Area and on to the Delta at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is a 3,000-mile system of bicycle-friendly roads and multi-use pathways. Traveling the trail is a unique way to experience the Mississippi River's natural wonders, transportation system, recreational facilities and cultural heritage.
Northland Arboretum
In the heart of Brainerd/Baxter lies the Northland Arboretum which boasts nearly 12 miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. The Northland Arboretum provides opportunities to view nature at its best and showcases a verity of flowers, trees and wildlife among the 500 acres of natural beauty. The Northland Arboretum really comes alive when the snow flies and the cross country trails open. The 20 kilometers of professionally groomed trails even feature five kilometers of lighted trails for evening enjoyment.
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway covers a 54-mile looped road route that travels both north around the Whitefish Chain and south along the north side of Pelican Lake. In addition to enjoying this drive-route, the expanded shoulder invites biking and rollerblading. Along the Byway you'll find the Veteran's Hiking Trail with their new 1.5 mile Wetland Walk and the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area.
Paul Bunyan State Trail Our landmark trail is the 112-mile paved Paul Bunyan State Trail. Most of the trail is generally level so people of all ages can enjoy hiking or biking the trail. Winter turns the trail into a snowmobilers dream. Neighborhood communities along the trail offer complete services such as food, drink, shopping, bike repair or lodging along the trail. You can even rent high quality, helmets and gear from local shops. Find trail access at multiple locations in the Brainerd Lakes Area, including parking areas at the trailhead in Baxter and in the heart of Pequot Lakes. The entire trail is wheelchair accessible. Take a virtual tour of the trail created by the DNR or check out maps of the trail.
Paul Bunyan Cyclists The Brainerd Lakes area offers exceptional bicycling opportunities. These route maps are some of the Paul Bunyan Cyclists’ favorite and most scenic rides. Print out a map, pump up the tires, and pedal around our beautiful lakes! Several of these routes incorporate portions of the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail. This group tries to use either low traffic volume roads or roads with paved shoulders when the routes are not on the trail. There are occasional stretches of higher traffic volume roads with narrow or no shoulders on some of the routes. Ride safely, observe traffic regulations, and stick to roads that are suited to your cycling skills.
Pillsbury State Forest The oldest and one of the most scenic state forests in Minnesota, Pillsbury Forest, is a treasure for outdoor lovers. The area offers horseback riding, hiking and mountain bike trails taht wind through the forest and past historic sites as well as hiking trails through various glacier-built topography of rolling hills, ravines and hidden lakes. Hop on your sled in the winter and enjoy miles of groomed, interconnected snowmobile trails. Most trails have a surface of natural soil but are well maintained. Many trails are wheel chair accessible, but weather can impact trail conditions and wheel chair visitors should assess the trails before touring.
Crow Wing County Trail Information
There are several gated, non-motorized "Hunter-Hiking" Trails on the County managed public lands. Trails are mowed in late August - early September. In order to accommodate a diversity of forest users, Crow Wing County provides many trail systems for public enjoyment.
