Recreation Nearby - H

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Hacky Sack Court

• Heartland Park (home to the only hacky sack court in the area) 
  Drive east on Hwy. #34 across the Fish Hook bridge, turn north on Mill Road and follow the river until you reach the park entrance.  The park offers boat access to the Fish Hook River and Lake, a swimming beach on the river, hiking trail, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, two picnic shelters, playground equipment for various age groups, a softball field, and public restrooms.  The Heartland Trail edges the park.  For information see: www.co.hubbard.mn.us/Public Works/agparks.htm.

Hiking

In the Spring and in the Fall it is refreshing to tramp through the woods.  During the summer it may be a bit hot during the day, but what a great way to start your morning or cool off in the evening.  People of all ages are invigorated by a stroll down a backwoods trail or a walk around the lake.  We have many paths to explore.  Some will take you all day.  Be sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray.  This is our most extensive listing of trails in our immediate area.  You may want to refer to the section on Walking if shorter distances are preferred.  Another source of information is Outdoor Programs.      

• Itasca State Park
  Itasca State Park offers 49 miles of hiking trails that take you through some of the most scenic parts of the 32,690 acre park.  The park also has 3.25 miles of self guided trails and 1.5 miles of handicapped accessible trails.  Depending on the season, hikers may find 27 species of orchids and abundant wildflowes, as well as old growth red and white pines and historic buildings.  For more information see:    www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/trails.html

• North Country National Scenic Trail
  This trail is part of the longest continuous foot path in North America.  The North Country Trail cuts through the Chippewa National Forest, the Paul Bunyan State Forest, and then winds through Itasca State Park before cutting back toward Bad Medicine Lake.  The trail, continually under development, will soon reach the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.  The trail provides the opportunity for hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and backcountry cross country skiing adventures. For more information see: www.northcountrytrail.org

• Heartland State Trail
  This 48 mile, multi use, paved trail was Minnesota’s first rail to trail system and has become one of its best known and most popular bike routes.  Cyclists may travel between Park Rapids and Walker, traversing quiet forests, skirting ponds and lakes and passing over railroad trestles.  The Heartland Trail passes through the towns of Dorset, Nevis, and Akeley.  The trail which has been widened and extended to Cass Lake connects directly to the Paul Bunyan Trail running between Brainerd and Bemidji.  It is used regularly by bicyclists, runners, and in line skaters.  Walking the Heartland Trail provides an opportunity to observe many forms of wildlife.  For information see:  www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/heartland/index.html

• Paul Bunyan State Recreation Trail
  Built along an abandon rail corridor, the paved trail connects from the south with the Heartland Trail that runs east and west from Walker to Park Rapids.  The first 48 miles of the Paul Bunyan Trail were paved and open to hikers and bikers in 1995.  Today the Paul Bunyan Trail covers more than 100 miles and connects to the Blue Ox Trail stretching from Bemidji to International Falls.  The trail weaves its way through numerous communities from its starting point in the Brainerd/Baxter area.  It is the longest trail of its kind.  For information see:  www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/paul_bunyan/index.html

• Mi-Gi-Zi Trail
  This beautiful trail is named for the bald eagle.  Migizi is the word used for bald eagle in the Ojibwe language.  The paved trail located in the Chippewa National Forest circles Pike Bay and makes a 19 mile loop through the big red pines of the original Ten Section of the forest.  There are four access points to the paved trail: (1) Forest Supervisor’s Office in Cass Lake, (2) across from the Cass Lake Wayside Rest on Hwy. #2, (3) Norway Beach Recreation Area off Hwy. #2, and (#4) South Pike Bay Picnic Area on the Pike Bay Loop road.  Many bikers begin their ride at the Norway Beach Campgrounds.  Use caution when crossing Hwy. #2 out of the Norway Beach Recreation Area.  The Mi-Gi-Zi trail is linked to the Heartland and Paul Bunyan State Trails.  For information see:  

• Chippewa National Forest
  The Chippewa National Forest offers over 298 miles of non-motorized trails both paved and unpaved that may be used for recreational activities.  Those closest to us are in the Shingobee Recreational Area.  Listed are the ones managed by the Walker Ranger District 201 - Walker, MN. There is a wealth of good information available online at www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/chippewa or contact the ranger station – 218-547-1044

• County Road 50 Walking Trail
  It is an 8 mile trail in the Shingobee River Valley with access from County Rd. #50, 6 miles south of Walker, toward Hackensack.  This is a primitive or unpaved hiking trail in the Chippewa National Forest.  You will need good shoes, appropriate clothing, bug spray and possibly sunscreen.  We recommend bringing both food and water.  Maps are available.  This is not a groomed trail during the winter months.

•  Shingobee Trail
  Nestled among the rolling hills of the Shingobee River Valley this 6 mile trail loops through the Chippewa National Forest offering many opportunities.  The trail access is 5 miles south of Walker just off Hwy #34 that runs between Park Rapids and Walker.  You will need good shoes, appropriate clothing, bug spray and possibly sunscreen.  We recommend bringing both food and water.  Maps are available.  The trail is groomed during the winter months.  It is used for hiking, hunting, and cross country skiing.  Primitive camping is even a possibility.  Sliding hills and a weekend warming chalet are used frequently during the winter months.

• Lake Erin Interpretive Trail
  This is a short trail in the Chippewa National Forest, only .6 of a mile in length.   The trail surrounding Lake Erin is 5 miles south of Walker on Hwy. #371.  Access is approximately 3 miles south of the casino toward Remer on the left hand side of the road.  This is a great trail for families with children.  Follow the maps.  This is an opportunity to view wildlife commonly found around our lakes and wetland areas.

• Goose Lake Trail
  This scenic trail consists of 12 miles of hiking paths located north of Woman Lake in the Chippewa National Forest.  The trailhead is 5 miles SW of Longville on County Road #5 between Hackensack and Longville.  This beautiful trail is groomed for cross country skiing in the winter months.  Don’t forget to be prepared for this outdoor adventure.

• Stony Point Recreation Area Interpretive Trail
  Campers staying at Stony Point always enjoy the spring wildflowers.  They are also privileged to see many birds that gravitate to the old stand of hardwood trees.  This trail is .82 of a mile in length.  The forest road through the Chippewa National Forest is suitable for hiking.  A self-guided trail from the campground leads you through the forest and past an old Anishinabe maple-sugaring camp.  Stony Point is a traditional gathering place.  From Walker, go east on Hwy. #200 for 6 miles, turn left on County Road #13 (Onigum Road) and go 5 miles to Forest Road #3797 and take a right.  Follow the signs for the Stony Point Campground the trail in nearby.                 

• Paul Bunyan State Forest
  The Paul Bunyan State Forest, north of Nevis, covers 150,113 acres and features a terrain that is rough and hilly.  There are several small lakes and many tiny ponds or bogs.  The fishing is good.  There are hundreds of miles of trail winding through the pine forest.  Some areas are good for cross country skiing and mountain biking is popular in the forest.  There are approximately 18 miles of trail used for hiking.  The area advertises 37 miles of class I ATV trails, 37 miles of class II ATV trails, and 87 miles of Off Highway Motorcycle Trails.  It is a very popular snowmobiling area with around 60 miles of trail through the woods.  

• Two Inlets State Forest
  The Two Inlets State Forest is located about 10 miles north of Park Rapids in Becker County.  The 26,000 plus acres are set in a landscape that varies from gently rolling hills to hilly with scattered lowlands.  The Two Inlets Trail provides more than 27 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.  Boat accesses are located on Hungry Man, Cedar, and Two Inlets Lakes.  Hunters in search of deer, ruffed grouse, and small game enjoy the forest.  The area is set up to accommodate both class I and class II ATV’s and Off Highway Motorcycles.  There are about 4.4 miles of trail within the forest used for hiking.

• Smoky Hills State Forest
  10 miles west of Park Rapids this 24,000 acre state forest can be accessed from many different points, some along Hwy. #34.  The forest itself is a mix of hardwoods and jack pine.  The southern half of the forest is a great place to enjoy the fall foliage as the colors change.  Many people like picking the fruits and berries and searching for the wild mushrooms the forest has to offer.  The Shell River and numerous small shallow lakes dot the area making it a good place to watch for birds and waterfowl.  There are two marked but not groomed snowmobile trails running through the forest.  The North Smoky Hills Trail, 13 miles in length, can be accessed west of Osage.  The Wolf Lake Trail, 17 miles in length, is located south of Osage about 3.5 miles on County Road #42.  Known for its rolling hills and steep slopes the Smoky Hills is an excellent place to hunt deer and grouse.  The forest is listed as having 25.9 miles of hiking trails, 8.5 miles of class 1 ATV trails,  8.5 miles of class II ATV trails, and 8.5 miles of Off-Highway Motorcycling, as well as , 30 miles of snowmobile trails.  

• Badoura State Forest
  The Badoura State Forest is located 10 miles south of Akeley on Hwy. #64.  The forest surrounds the Badoura State Forest Nursery that was established in 1931.  It consists of approximately 200 acres, with 140 acres under cultivation.  Almost 50 million trees are growing at the nursery.  Species produced include red pine, jack pine, white pine, white spruce, black spruce, black walnut, green ash, red oak, silver maple, and wild plum.  The public is welcome to tour the nursery by calling 218-652-2385.  There are marshy areas through the forest that make possible many birding and hunting opportunities.  The Crow Wing Chain of Lakes is nearby.  The forest does provide some hiking opportunities.

• Huntersville State Forest
  The Huntersville State Forest is about 12 miles southeast of Park Rapids.  The 52 square miles of mostly red and jack pine forests with a scattering of aspen and spruce and a variety of hardwoods covers rolling sandy hills.  Two rivers, the Crow Wing River and the Shell River cut through the forest.  Both are noted as excellent canoe waterways.  There are numerous spots to access the rivers and camp sites along the route.  There are many trails that can be used for hiking, cross country skiing, and horseback riding.  Both class I and class II ATV trails and OHM trails exist. 

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