Riding in Northern Minnesota

The Heartland State Trail is a 49-mile multiple-use trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. The 27 mile segment between Park Rapids and Walker is paved (asphalt); the remaining 22 miles is primarily compacted gravel and railroad ballast with occasional sandy areas, and can be used for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The entire trail is used in winter for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

The unpaved portion intersects with the unpaved portion of the Paul Bunyan Trail. Plans are to complete paving on both trails when funding can be obtained.

In the little town of Akeley there is a Paul Bunyan museum. The trail runs by the back of the museum - the statue in the photo at the bottom is in the front on the highway. His huge hand makes a perfect resting-place!