Until the Camp Ripley/Veterans Trail is completed (2015+), there are several existing road routes that are recommended for bicycle travel between the Paul Bunyan and Soo Line trails.

When using any maps of the area, be sure you can identify which roads are paved, as the majority of roads in this region are unpaved. Local snowmobile maps are perhaps the best resource for differentiating paved/gravel roads and can be obtained from the local chambers of commerce. The Brainerd Lakes Tourism website or Visitor Center (on Hwy 371) is a good place to get these local maps. The Little Falls Visitor Center also has maps, but you will want to specifically ask for snowmobile maps.

While all roads in Minnesota, except those specifically restricted, are open to bicycle travel. Not all roads are comfortable for cyclists of all abilities, especially younger or inexperienced riders.

A quick map of a few suggested connecting routes has been drafted and uploaded for your reference. The map will be revised/improved in the fall/winter of 2010 to show more detail and service information.

Route Map:

Camp Ripley/Veterans Trail - Interim Road Route Map - 2010.08.19 (921 Kb)

The suggested routes are based on personal experience from myself and several other local cyclists, who have ridden them. If you were to ask us how to navigate from Brainerd to the Soo Line Trail, this is what we would give you. If we were to go for ride, these are the roads we would likely take.

If you have suggestions, corrections or questions, please post a comment or send an email.

The Camp Ripley/Veterans Trail group is working with local authorities and state agencies to sign these roads as official bike routes in early 2011.

Route Segment Descriptions

Brainerd - Paul Bunyan Trail and Road Routes

Brainerd/Baxter

The Paul Bunyan Trail continues through Brainerd/Baxter to Hwy 371 where it crosses the Mississippi River. The bridge is equipped with separated bike/ped lanes and bike/ped ramps. The Trail is scheduled to be extended from the Hwy 371 bridge (current terminus) to Crow Wing State Park in 2011.

Brainerd (Paul Bunyan Trail) to Camp Ripley

You basically have two route options between Brainerd and Camp Ripley. The scenic, quieter, hillier, longer route (East) or the shorter, flatter, annoyingly loud highway route (West). If you want slower/scenic/pleasant, pick the eastern route. If you want fast and can handle 13-miles of noise pick the Hwy route (it's safe, just loud).

Primary Route, ~27.5 miles (Hwy 45, Hwy 47)

While approximately 4 miles longer than the alternate route, it is the recommended route as it uses quiet, paved rural roads and is scenic. This route does have easy to moderate rolling terrain.

The only services (water, food, etc.) exist in Brainerd/Baxter and the gas station across from the main gates at Camp Ripley. There are no services in between (appox 25 miles).

In Brainerd/Baxter go East on College Drive from the Paul Bunyan Trail. After the bridge take the first right onto S 4th St. Continue East onto Willow St. Turn right on 13th St (Hwy 45). Continue South on Hwy 45 for approximately 20 miles. Turn West onto Hwy 47 for appoximately 5 miles to Camp Ripley Junction.

Alternate Route, ~23.25 miles (Hwy 371)

This is the most direct, flat route and will take you to Crow Wing State Park (great camping) and the Brainerd Lakes Tourism Center (maps/info, restrooms, water, vending). The significant downside to this route is the noise from the traffic.

Hwy 371 is safe for cyclists, but it can be intimidating to beginner riders. It is a 4-lane divided highway with a speed limit of 65-miles per hour, and can be moderately busy on summer weekends. The shoulder is enormous (probably 12+ feet) and nicely surfaced, which provides substantial separation between car/bike. Plus, nearly all of the traffic is courteous and moves to the inside lane when passing you. In my opinion, it is as safe as a road can be. But the noise gets irritating after a few miles (headphones are illigal when riding in MN, but they are sure nice on this stretch).

Only about 13 miles of this route is actually on Hwy 371. For 6-miles of the route along Hwy 371 there is an adjacent, paved service road that has virtually zero traffic.

The terrain is essentially flat, with only a few slight hills that are barely noticeable.

Camp Ripley to Little Falls

Little Falls Routes

Both sides of the river are suitable for cycling between Camp Ripley and Little Falls. It would make a good loop ride. The West side of the river will be more scenic than the East. Otherwise, they are about the same in terms of traffic (low) and terrain (flat).

Primary Route, 8.5 miles (West of river)

Flat, scenic, slightly longer than alternate. Requires a bit more work/attention navigating through Little Falls.

The easiest northwest route out of Little Falls is to take Ginger Road from Hwy 27. It is the last road before the bridge and is adjacent to a riverside park.

Getting onto Ginger Rd when travelling east may require patience and serious attention, as the intersection is busy, is at the end of the bridge, and includes rail tracks. It may be easier to use the nearest crosswalk/sidewalk than it is to wait for a gap in what can be never ending oncoming traffic.

Alternate Route, 7 miles (East of river)

Flat, uses service road of Hwy 371 (actually 'old Hwy 371') that has almost no traffic. Passes an interesting historical marker along the river and a county park.

A short 1.5 mile bike trail exists on the northern end of town. Once you get out of town, you will have a full shoulder (and road) all to yourself. The adjacent highway is close enough to hear, but isn't noisy.

Little Falls to Bowlus

Little Falls to Soo Line Trail

Both sides of the river are excellent cycling routes, and would be a terrific loop ride. Low traffic roads, good shoulders, generally flat terrain with a few easy/moderate hills. Both sides offer excellent views of the river, woods and farmland.

Both routes intersect the Soo Line Trail on either side of the Blanchard Dam, which is an absolute must visit location for any MN Trail user. The trail bridge at the dam is a highlight of the trails in the region.

Primary Route, 9.4 miles (West of River)

This route will take you to Charles Lindbergh State Park (1 mile south of Little Falls).

Alternate Route, 9 miles (East of River)

This route is slightly more scenic than the western side, with more trees and less adjacent farmland.

Comments/Corrections/Suggestions Encouraged

If you find errors, know of other suitable roads for inclusion on this map, etc. either leave a comment or send an email.

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