Scenic Trails In And Around Brainerd
Walking, Biking, Skiing, Snowmobiling, ATVing and more!
With stunning vistas surrounding you, the Paul Bunyan Trail has over 120 miles of paved pathways for your enjoyment no matter the season! And that's just the beginning!
ATV Trails
Bike Trails
Horseback Trails
Motorcycle Touring
Recommended Motorcycle Rides
A: Gull Lake – Estimated drive time 50m
Although this is the shortest one it is a favorite of locals due to scenic views and a wide variety of dining and watering holes along the route. Take this route and then head into Nisswa for unique shops.
B: Double Casino Run – Estimated drive time: 3h 17m
Take a scenic ride to the Grand Casino Mille Lacs then head over to Northern Lights Casino in Walker. Estimated drive time of three hours and 40 minutes plus time at the casinos.
C: Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway – Estimated drive time 1h 54m
The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway travels around the Whitefish Chain of Lakes with more than 119 miles of shoreline. Crosslake sits on the Eastern shore of Cross Lake where you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering outdoor patio dining with a fantastic view. Visit the US Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Area for a lakeside picnic and walk across the Pine River Dam build in the late 1800’s.
D: Northern Loop – Estimated drive time 2h 34m
This route runs you through the Cuyuna Lakes Area with some of Minnesota’s newest scenic lakes and forests.
ATV Trails
Crow Wing Southern Loop: 19 miles
Click here for ATV trail map
Season: 5/1 – 11/1
This Minnesota ATV trail connects to the twenty mile Pine Center Trail plus the thirty one mile Fort Ripley Trail/Ripley Connection. Much of the trail passes along farm and country landscapes. This trail follows township roads, occasionally sharing the road with highway licensed vehicles. Parking is available at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Visitor Center eight miles south of Brainerd/Baxter.
Fort Ripley Trail and Ripley Connection: 31 miles
Click here for ATV trail map
Season: 5/1 – 10/31
This central Minnesota ATV trail is primarily flat and easy to ride with an occasional rolling hill. The trail narrows and winds through oak and pine covered hills near Sebie Lake, along the old Burlington Northern railroad grade. The trail is connected to Brainerd by the Crow Wing South Loop and offers additional riding on the Pine Center trail. Parking is available at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Visitor Center eight miles south of Brainerd/Baxter.
Miller- Black Bear Trail: 19 miles
Click here for ATV Trail map
Season: 5/1 – 10/31
Located six miles west of Crosby Minnesota, the Miller – Black Bear trail travels 19 miles over rolling hills and past scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River. Six sites with picnic tables and grills are found along the trail.Watch for wildflowers in the spring! To access the parking area take Co. Rd. 30 north from Ironton for 3 miles. Turn South onto Co. Rd. 34 for 1.3 miles, then south again onto Co. Rd. 28. Take the first right and follow 1 mile to the parking area.
Emily/Outing ATV Trail: 56 miles
Click here for ATV Trail Map
Season: 5/01 – 10/31
Ranging from rocky and hilly to flat and open, beginners and advance riders alike will enjoy this trail. Many communities along the trail are ATV-friendly, allowing ATV travel within city limits. The trail is provided and maintained by Cass County and the Over the Hills Gang. Please be aware – portions of the trail share the road with vehicle traffic.
Biking Trails
Bike trail and routes maps:
Paul Bunyan trail Map (Brainerd to Nisswa) (14.8 miles)
West Baxter/Sylvan Trail Map (23 & 32 miles)
Merrifield/Gull Dam Trail Map (31 & 34 miles)
South Long Lake Trail Map (31 miles)
Camp Jim Trail Map (26 miles)
Executive Acres Legionville Trail Map (19 miles)
Whipple Beach Trail Map (18 miles)
East Brainerd Trail Map (39 miles)
Gull Gallivant Trail Map (46 miles)
St Mathias Trail Map (32 miles)
Jacks House Trail Map (15 – 32 miles)
Mountain Bike Trails
Trail Maps:
Winter Fat Tire Trail Map (Sagamore)
Cuyuna Lakes Trail Map
Pillsbury State Forest Trail Map
Here are some additional resources to help make your visit the the Pillsbury State Forest and the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails a memorable Minnesota getaway.
Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail
Cuyuna Lakes Chamber
Pillsbury Trail
Paul Bunyan Cyclists
Hiking Trails
If you are looking for scenic MN hiking trails then look no further than the Brainerd Lakes area, Minnesota’s natural playground.
Brainerd and Baxter Minnesota are known for the scenic lakes and rivers surrounded by pristine forests with miles of hiking trails available to our year round visitors.
Trails wind through the Crow Wing State Park, Pillsbury State Forest, Cuyuna Recreational Area, in addition to smaller local secrets like Fritz Loven Park which offers hiking trails along a scenic trout stream.
A Minnesota getaway should include great lodging, excellent dining, and centralized access to a variety of great hiking trails and Brainerd offer that and more. Come play with us and explore our beautiful Minnesota hiking trails and everything else that the Brainerd Lakes area has to offer.
Horseback Trails
Miles of Minnesota Horseback riding trails through scenic forests and around beautiful lakes.
One of Brainerd’s more popular destinations is the Pillsbury State Forest which offers miles of scenic Minnesota horseback riding trails. Want the simple pleasure of a trail ride but do not have a horse. No problem, Brainerd offers several great trail riding options.
