Trails

The Minnesota Northwood's is a hikers paradise. You can tramp through the big woods, stroll down a backwoods lane, walk around lakes and even hike around a lake within a lake on Star Island.

The Chippewa National Forest makes maps available for most of their 78 miles of hiking trails, ranging from .5 to 68 miles. Some trails are known for their eagle viewing, others are self-guided nature tours; all of them are breath taking. Throughout the year, these trails also provide excellent cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Call (218) 335-8600 for a handout of twelve Chippewa National Forest hunter/walking trails.

As well as hiking on trails in our area, there are also many trail systems that allow snowmobiles . Leech Lake is a snowmobiler's dream - The Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails intersect here and provide hundreds of miles of trails. The area also includes an array of trails specifically groomed for cross-country skiing.

Nearby is world famous Itasca State Parks, which also has its own trail systems. You can even walk across the mighty Mississippi River at its source in Itasca State Park. Six other State Parks are located within the region and each offer different experiences for the hiker and nature lover.

County Road 50 Walking Trail
Eight miles of walking trails along the Shingobee River Valley.

Heartland Trail
South of Walker is Minnesota's oldest paved trail, with miles of beautiful lakes, forest scenery, wildlife and flowers.

Lake Erin Interpretive Trail
This five-mile walking trail surrounds scenic Lake Erin.

Mi-Ge-Zi Trail
Four completed, paved miles of non-motorized hiking/biking trails in the Chippewa National Forest along the eastern edge of Cass Lake and Pike Bay.

North Country National Scenic Trail
Part of the longest continuous footpath in North America, the North Country Trail cuts through the Chippewa National Forest.

Oak Point Trail
Twelve miles of walking trails at the north end of Steamboat Bay on Leech Lake.

Paul Bunyan State Recreational Trail
Built along abandoned rail corridors, these trails are great venues for easy-going exploration.

Shingobee Trail
Nestled along the rolling hills of the Shingobee River Valley the area offers 6 miles of trails for hiking, hunting, primitive camping and cross country skiing. Sliding hills and a weekend warming chalet are also available for winter fun.

Stony Point Recreation Area Trail
Nine miles of looped forest road for biking and hiking through the Chippewa National Forest.

 


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©2005 Leech Lake Chamber of Commerce phone: (800) 833-1118 local: (218) 547-1313
All 'Discover the Leech Lake Area' pictures contributed by photographer Mark Harlow