trails around Park Rapids/Itasca State Park

[gpzrider]

I'll be heading up to this area for a vacation in early August and was wondering if there were any decent singletrack trails up this way? I was thinking about just checking out the forest roads in Paul Bunyan state forest and doing a little jaunt on the Heartland paved trail if there are no other options.

TIA for any info.

[gus man]

Their is a bike shop in Park rapids. They steered me over to the Chippiwa Nat. Forest area between Akely and Walker. Not the greatest directions though. Never found them. Better luck to you though.

[hockeynut]

I think there are some trails up there somewhere, something like the Martineau Trails or something. I was a complete newbie when I tried to find them before, so what I found was too rugged for what I could do. Like Gus said, I think the bike shop in Park Rapids would be the place to talk to. There MAY be a bike shop in Walker too, but I don't remember if it was open last time I was looking.

Don't forget about the Scenic Drive in Itasca. That's a very fun bike ride with possible side trips to the interpretive trails etc. (which would be hiking only).

[egoo]

Yes, the martineau recreational trail system. It's about 5 miles north of Akley on Hwy 64. Keep your eye out for the sign and turn left. It's about 50+ miles of offroad trail. Try to stay on the motorcycle trails, they are more fun. These trails are meant for dirt bikes, so they are extremely technical! Not a trail for the newbie, but an experienced rider can really have a great time!

[JeffroB]

Last month a friend and I rode from Walker to the west side of Itasca state park almost all off-road. About 70 miles in 6 1/2 hours. There are alot of options. The DNR website has some good maps of Paul Bunyan SF and Chippewa NF. The main forest roads are well marked, have a good surface, are wide but used by cars and ATV's also(altough on our ride we met only one car and two ATVs). There are alot of side trails that branch off but are getting overgrown this time of year. If you are going to Itasca there are alot of forest roads west of the park as well that are a blast.

[gpzrider]

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll have a number of options to explore...

[egoo]

So Phil, where did you ride? What did you think?