Snowmobiling in the Footsteps of Paul Bunyan

Published on Feb 16, 2010

With hundreds of miles of trails among frosted pine forests, hospitable towns, and snow-edged waterways, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is one of Minnesota’s premier snowmobiling vacation destinations. Steer your sled through snowy fields and icy waters in the Land of 10,000 Lakes -- created, legend says, when Paul and his big blue ox, Babe, tromped all over the area as they logged the white pine forests. With 1,200 miles of groomed, networked paths radiating in every direction from the Brainerd Lakes area, you’ll find the perfect trail for an unsurpassed snow-filled adventure.

Three of the most popular trails near the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway are the Paul Bunyan State Trail, the Heartland State Trail, and the Hubbard County Grants-in-Aid System. Reliable grooming and plentiful facilities add to their appeal. You can choose from hundreds of service, lodging, restaurant, and shopping options near the snowmobiling trails of north-central Minnesota. No matter what your needs may be, the hospitality of northern Minnesota is as big as the legendary Paul Bunyan himself.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is just west of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. Follow in Paul’s footsteps as you ride from Brainerd to Bemidji, or veer off into one of the other less-explored snowmobiling trails. Plentiful rest areas and services are located near the Paul Bunyan State Trail in the historic old logging communities of Brainerd, Merrifield, Jenkins, Pequot Lakes, Hackensack, and Walker, to name a few. Stop for lunch or dinner at any one of the friendly, casual dining options, some of which overlook serene, frosty lakes. Browse the quaint antique shops, discover one-of-a-kind crafts created by local artisans, or find the perfect piece of “lumberjack” memorabilia. Enjoy the vast variety of accommodations as you check into a resort, hotel, motel, or bed & breakfast. After an invigorating day on the snow-swept trail, curl up near a warm, crackling fire with a steaming beverage and relax in style.

The 49-mile Heartland State Trail meets the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail near the community of Walker and passes through Chippewa National Forest. Ride amidst one of the largest Bald Eagle populations in the state, and chances are good that you might see one of these magnificent birds soaring over the forest’s glittering, snow-covered spruce, fir, and pines. Idle the engine near a riverbank to glimpse whitetail deer, raccoon, red fox, porcupine, beaver, or muskrat. Visitors have even spotted coyotes, weasels, mink, and bobcats! The trailheads for the paved section of the Heartland State Trail are located in Park Rapids and Walker. Parking for the trail is available in Park Rapids at Heartland County Park, Dorset, Nevis, Akeley, Walker, and Erickson's Landing north of Walker.

The Hubbard County Grants-in-Aid (GIA) System is a vast network of groomed snowmobile trails that extends throughout Minnesota’s Beltrami, Cass, Hubbard, and Crow Wing Counties. Local snowmobile clubs maintain the routes, many of which parallel paved state recreation trails along the byway, including the Paul Bunyan State Trail and the Heartland State Trail. State law bans snowmobiles with metal studs from driving on the paved trails themselves, so where possible, snowmobiling trails have been developed along their wide shoulders.

Plan to hit the trails December 1 to March 31, from 8 am to 8 pm daily. Some state trails may open as early as November as weather conditions and landowners permit. Check out the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association website for information on trail maintenance, fun snowmobiling events, safety information, and more. Also, visit the Dept. of Natural Resources website or call 1-888-MINNDNR (1-888-646-6367) for more information about trail conditions and safety issues before embarking on your frost-filled journey.

Whether you’re in search of untamed wilderness with glittering frosty lakes and Bald Eagles, or pockets of civilization with every creature comfort, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is the perfect snowmobiling destination.

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