When the desire to travel hits and you can’t wait to leave the stress of daily responsibilities behind and swap them out for some serious fun instead, a trip to the Gull Lake region of Minnesota is just the ticket. This inviting and relaxing locale is loved for its scenery, spectacular opportunities to relax in style, and of course, endless options to get out and make the most of the great outdoors. While Gull Lake and the surrounding communities offer up an abundance of fun when it comes to on-the-water activities, it’s also a place where cyclists will find a maze of trails to check out and explore. If you’re the type of traveler that has a true passion for hitting the road on two wheels, there’s no better place to set your sights while you’re here than on the iconic Paul Bunyan Trail, Minnesota!

A Trail of Opportunity

The Paul Bunyan Trail is an appealing cycling destination not only for its impressive dimensions but for the fact that it connects to so many other trails, making it an easy-to-customize option for those with a passion for outdoor adventure. The Paul Bunyan Trail actually connects three major routes that run through this part of Minnesota, including the Cuyuna State Trail, the Blue Ox Trail, and the Heartland Trail.

At 120 miles long, the Paul Bunyan Trail has officially earned the title of the longest bike trail in Minnesota! This means that just saying you’ve conquered even a portion of it is a feat in and of itself. While some cyclists are up for an off-road-inspired challenge, much effort has gone into making sure the 120 miles of the trail are ultra-accessible to bikers of all ages and abilities. To this end, the trail has been well paved not only between Guthrie south through Laporte towards Walker, but also the trail section that runs from Brainerd to Baxter south towards Crow Wing State Park.

Enjoy the Paul Bunyan Trail, Minnesota Experience

When you decide to take your adventure onto the Paul Bunyan Trail, Minnesota, you’re in for a scenic treat. The trail provides cyclists with a wonderful combination of flat and open sections that seem to spontaneously open up to hilly terrain complete with breathtaking vistas to enjoy! The trail can be approached as a continuous challenge for the cyclist who is inclined to push themselves to new athletic levels. It can also be approached in a more leisurely fashion for those interested in taking time to soak up the sights along the way. The trail includes plenty of places to stop, re-energize, and take in the beauty of northern Minnesota’s landscapes at a preferred pace. Amateur and experienced photographers alike will likely want to combine biking the Paul Bunyan Trail with plenty of time set aside to capture the terrain at its best—so don’t forget your camera when you head this way!

In addition to beautiful vistas, the Paul Bunyan Trail is a route where bird watchers will find a variety of species to admire as they peddle along. The lush grasses, trees, and rolling hills provide a thriving ecosystem for wildlife and an abundance of opportunity for those excited for a closer look.

Trail Logistics and Activities

Much to the delight of travelers, the Paul Bunyan Trail is open to the public year-round, and because it connects so many destinations and other trails, there are plenty of options for pairing your ride with nearby activities too. Many cyclists who enjoy the Paul Bunyan Trail make the most of near-trail picnic stops, time spent resting up in rustic shelters, or even camping at local grounds. Because the trail runs through 14 trailside towns and cities, there’s no shortage of destinations to explore if enjoying the best of new communities is your idea of a great vacation! If you happen to be visiting the Paul Bunyan Trail in the winter, traditional bikes will need to be swapped out for adrenaline-pumping snowmobiles. The Paul Bunyan Trail appeals to winter travelers with a heart for picking up the pace and taking to this iconic route in snowmobile style!

While many summer, spring, and fall visitors bring their own bikes to explore the Paul Bunyan Trail, this certainly isn’t a requirement to make the most of the experience. There are plenty of Brainerd and Gull Lake area rental shops that offer up customizable rental options on all types of bikes perfectly matched to your ideal riding experience.

Book Your Stay Today

Whether you’re headed this way to make the most of time on the Paul Bunyan Trail or just can’t wait to explore the best of Gull Lake, the team at Gull Lake Beach Resorts is ready and waiting to help you get settled into a vacation rental that pairs comfort, convenience, and style. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next exciting trip!