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I Paul Bunyan Multi-use Trail I
Why Is Pine River Called the "Birthplace of
the Paul Bunyan Trail"?
In the year 1984, Burlington
Northern Railroad made a decision to vacate the existing rail line from Brainerd
to Bemidji. Terry McGaughey, then President of the Pine River Chamber of Commerce
and avid bicycle rider, received this information and requested a resolution from
the Pine River Chamber of Commerce requesting the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources obtain the line, in its entirety, and develop the right-of-way into
a recreational trail. The Pine River Chamber made and passed such a resolution
in the basement of the United Methodist Church in Pine River during one of its
monthly meetings. They then forwarded the resolution to the City of Pine River
and the council likewise adopted a resolution and forwarded both resolutions to
the State of Minnesota. Pine River was the first community along the trail to
make a resolution to create the trail and after fifteen years of effort, the Paul
Bunyan Trail became reality. That is the reason we refer to Pine River as "The
Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail". Map
This 100 mile long multiple use trail
runs right through downtown Pine River. Parking is available all seasons next
to the trail. The trail runs between Brainerd and Bemidji;passing through several
smaller towns on the way. The trail was constructed using the Burlington Northern
Railroad grade.53.8 miles of the trail is paved from Baxter to Hackensack and
the remaining 46.2 miles has a variable surface ranging from the original railbed
material to loose sand.The trail is mostly level and wheelchair accessible.
The
paved portions of the trail can be used for hiking, biking, in-line skating and
skate boarding. Users can expect to travel about ten miles between towns and stops
with services. The undeveloped sections are ideal for snowmobiling and mountain
biking. Studded snowmobile tracks are prohibited on the paved portion of the
trail.  This
area is rich with history, with the Dakota and Ojibwe Indians living in this area
for centuries. There are thirteen prehistoric sites near the trail. Logging and
Railroad were were dominant in the late 1800's and into this century. Most towns
along the way were built due to these two industries.When
completed, the Paul Bunyan State Trail will connect with the Blue Ox and Heartland
Trails to form one of the largest rail-trail systems in the North America.Pine
River is in a unique position on the Trail, being in the middle of the Trail depending
on which way you are heading. The
large parking area provides the perfect starting or ending location to your bike
trip.Within a block of the trail you'll find several
places to eat and many gift shops unique to the area. Gas stations and grocery
stores provide all that's needed for you trip. Pine River has all you need for
a great time no matter how you use the Paul Bunyan Trail.
State Trail Rules
- Stay on the trail
- Keep
to the right of the trail so others can pass you
- All
pets must be on a leash
- Obey all traffic signs
- Pack out all refuse and liter
- Respect
all landowner signs and property
- Signal other
trail users when passing
- When passing horses,
signal them well in advance to give them warning
- Camp
or have camp fires in designated areas only
- Do
not leave camp fires unattended
- Do not disturb
wild plants. Look don't touch
- Trail users are
legally responsible to follow state rules as described in Minnesota Regulations
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