Paul Bunyan Trail FAQ

Yes, the Paul Bunyan Trail's surface is paved.

Of course the trail is popular with cyclists, hikers, runners, and inline skaters. But snowmobiling is also permitted on the Paul Bunyan Trail (studded tracks allowed). Your snowmobile must be registered with the state and/or have a MN state snowmobile sticker. For more information, see Minnesota DNR Snowmobile registration information.

Sorry, no horses; equestrian use is not permitted on the Paul Bunyan Trail.

Dogsledding is not allowed.

How long does it take to bike the Paul Bunyan Trail?

The answer varies from person to person, depending on many factors including your speed, your daily mileage, and "stop time" for eating, bathroom breaks, and stopping to enjoy the scenery.

At 10 MPH, the 120 mile trail would take 10.25 hours. But that doesn't account for stops and variance in speed.

Use the Paul Bunyan Trail Timeline Tool to see your expected arrival times at towns along the way, and expected overall travel time.

Is the Paul Bunyan Trail handicap accessible?

Yes, the trail is mostly flat (except as noted below) and paved. Electric wheelchairs are allowed.

Are e-bikes allowed on the Paul Bunyan Trail?

Yes, e-bikes are allowed for riders aged 15 and older. Your e-bike must have no more that 750 watts of power, and be considered a class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle. You can read full details at the Minnesota DNR "other uses" web page.

Segways, powered skateboards, and simlar devices are allowed, if operated at a prudent speed under 15 MPH.

Are there hills on the Paul Bunyan Trail?

Most of the trail follows an old railroad route, so it is mostly flat. Of course there will be some long gradual climbs.

South of Walker, the trail wanders through the Chippewa National Forest for nine miles, away from the former rail route. On this section you will encounter some steeper hills.

Check out the Paul Bunyan Trail Elevations web page for a chart and more details.

Is there an alternate route south of Walker?

As mentioned above, the Paul Bunyan Trail takes a longer, more hilly route through Chippewa National Forest for nine miles south of Walker. A shorter and flatter option is the Heartland State Trail, which cuts more through the middle of Walker and through Ah-gwah-ching south of Walker. The trails fork on the north edge of Walker, and converge again south of Walker and Ah-gwah-ching.

The maps on this website show the longer route, through Chippewa National Forest.

Approaching from the north, you'll encounter the Heartland Trail fork on the north side of Walker, about 1/4 mile before crossing 371/Minnesota Ave. A southbound rider would take the fork left for the shorter flatter route, or right for the longer route through Chippewa National Forest.

Approaching from the south, the trail fork occurs about seven miles past Hackensack. A northbound rider would take the right option for the shorter route through Ah-gwah-ching and Walker, or left for the Chippewa National Forest route.

Where can I report problems or maintenance issues with the trail?

Report trail problems to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367, or email info.dnr@state.mn.us