Paul Bunyan Trail – Communities Along the Trail
The Paul Bunyan Trail covers over 120 miles and passes near or through several Brainerd Lakes Area Communities. Plan the perfect Paul Bunyan Trail hiking, biking, or snowmobiling trip using the information provided by the trail towns. Find lodging, dining, rest areas, and historical attractions.
Nisswa, MN
Nisswa has public restroom facilities adjacent to the trail, housed in the same building as the Chamber of Commerce. Also, a new 75 car parking lot is expected to be completed by the end of summer.
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Brainerd, MN
While not located on the trail, Brainerd is the largest city in the trail region, and is located where the trail begins. Brainerd has many services likely to be sought out by trail users.
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Hackensack, MN
In the Hackensack area you will find public restrooms on the trail and water available.
Pequot Lakes, MN
The community of Pequot Lakes offers you public parking lots adjacent to the trail on the north and south side of town. The town is in the process of putting in a picnic shelter complete with bathrooms.
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Baxter, MN
The southern Trail Head is located in Baxter at the trail's intersection with Excelsior Road at the Paul Bunyan Arboretum!
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Backus, MN
Backus boasts a parking lot, beachside park, running water, and lavatories all adjacent to the trail.
Merrifield, MN
This village is 9 miles north of Baxter on the trail. Merrifield Lions shelter has public bathrooms, as does the North Long Lake public access, which has a large parking lot as well.
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Pine River, MN
The city of Pine River has a parking lot adjacent to the trail. The Chamber of Commerce is in the process of putting up a new facility on the trail. This new structure will have bathrooms.
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Jenkins, MN
Gateway to the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Jenkins is located north of Pequot Lakes and is a great place for all of a trail user’s needs.