Paul Bunyan Trail Ride – Two Days, 400 Kilometers

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is one of the best long-distance paved bike routes in the United States. The trail runs through northern Minnesota between the Brainerd/Baxter area and Lake Bemidji State Park, with woods, lakes, small towns, and quiet rural sections along the way.

I rode about 400 kilometers over two days, using the trail and connected roads to experience the route, the towns, and the long open stretches of northern Minnesota by bike.

For official trail information, maps, and route details, visit Minnesota DNR’s Paul Bunyan State Trail page or PaulBunyanTrail.com.

Preparation and Gear

A ride this long requires planning. I prepared my bike, food, hydration, basic repair items, and cycling gear before starting the first day.

I used a Canyon Aeroad 9.0. The bike was light, fast, and well suited for long-distance road cycling on paved surfaces.

Route Highlights

The route passed through forests, trail towns, lakeside areas, and quiet stretches of northern Minnesota. Some sections felt calm and open. Others required more focus because of distance, fatigue, and the need to manage food and hydration.

Return Ride and Recovery

The return ride required careful pacing. At that point, the challenge was not only the distance. It was also recovery, nutrition, and staying focused after many hours on the bike.

Finishing the Trail

The final section tested my legs and patience. Long rides like this become a mix of physical effort and mental discipline. Each stop mattered, especially near the end.

After the Ride

One of the best parts came after the ride: the meal and rest afterward. I also checked how the ride affected my body composition.

Thanks for reading. If you are planning your own ride along the Paul Bunyan Trail or want to learn more about my training methods, get in touch here.

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Last updated: May 2, 2026