I Home I Activities I Snowmobiling I

Activities - Snowmobiling

Pine River resides at the midpoint of the Paul Bunyan Trail, making it the perfect place for snowmobilers to take a break en route etween Brainerd and Walker.The Paul Bunyan Trail takes sledders through scenic woods, open prairie spaces and a variety of towns that reflect the rustic charm of the Northwoods.

Paul Bunyan Trail    (Trail Map)
Starting in Brainerd, this trail crosses central and northern Minnesota and reaches it's destination in International Falls on the Canadian border. The southern fifty miles, up to Hackensack, is paved and has a stud ban for this section. The trail, north of Hackensack, has no restriction up to Walker. At this point other trail restrictions may apply because the Paul Bunyan Trail meets up with the Heatland Trail which is also paved.
The Paul Bunyan Trail is groomed and fairly straight. This trail offers a great ride for families and groups, with stops available every ten miles or less along the way
SnowWay 1    (Trail Map)
This trail has some unbelievable scenery on it's course from Gull Lake to Walker. It tends to Parallel the Paul Bunyan Trail about 6 miles to the West. and has many twists and turns. Winding through the Foothills State Forest (Near Backus) the trail climbs many hills and skirts several smaller lakes on it's way through tall pine forests. Although remote and offering few services other than signs, great scenery is the norm for this trail. Bring plenty of water and food as there is nothing for services along the way.
Chippewa Trail    (Trail Map) Trail in Red
This trail starts in downtown Hackensack, heading east on Whipple Ave.-next to Fuzzy's Restaurant. It winds north and east until it crosses the WoodTick Trail near Stoney Lake. Passing a few miles to the north it swings east towards Longville. The trail heads east until it hits Lake Inguadona and and at that point heads south towards Peterson Lake. Near Peterson Lake the trail crosses the Aspen Trail and heads towards the west and Backus. Reaching Hwy 371 it's an easy job to downtown Backus and the Paul Bunyan Trail. North about nine miles on the Paul Bunyan takes you back to Hackensack completing the loop.
WoodTick Trail   (Trail Map) Trail in Blue
This relatively short trail starts about four miles north of Hackensack on Hwy 371. Heading east 14 miles it feeds several smaller trails to the north and south offering a great opportunity to explore the lesser known lakes along the trail. The west end of the trail joins Hwy 5 just west of Longville. This trail is used by loggers and others in the winter and may at times be hard packed. The other trails leading away from trail often offer a better ride.
HeartLand Trail     (Trail Map)
Joining the Paul Bunyan and SnowWay 1 Trails in Walker, this trail heads east out of Walker towards Park Rapids. There is now a parallel trail unpaved and designated for snowmobiles that travels the same route. This trail is relatively straight and runs adjacent to several farms. Another relative short trail that offers a great ride for families.