Paul Bunyan State Forest

The dirt bike riding in Paul Bunyan State Forest is the Martineau Recreational Trails, also called the Martineau OHM Trail System, "MRT," or simply "The Bunyan." It is a network of interconnected singletrack loops through hilly northern Minnesota woods dotted with small ponds. The Minnesota DNR lists 97 miles and describes a mix of smooth, beginner-friendly trail and tight, wooded technical trail for experienced riders. RiderPlanet describes mostly loamy dirt with some sandy, rocky, and rutted sections. Plan at least a full day, and a weekend if you can.

Only off-highway motorcycles (OHM) belong on these trails. The forest is classified "limited," so riding is allowed only on signed and mapped routes open to your vehicle type, and all the trails are two-way, so expect oncoming riders. The Paul Bunyan Forest Riders club maintains the trails for Hubbard County under a state grant-in-aid, and it is well worth a thank-you if you meet a work crew.

Getting there

The trailhead is on Highway 64 north of Akeley, in Hubbard County. From Akeley, go north on Highway 64 for 5.6 miles and turn left onto Blue Trail (Steamboat Trail). The trailhead has parking and primitive camping, and it works as a home base. Walker is about 9 miles east of the Highway 64 junction on Highway 34.

Fees, permits, and rules

Riding is free, with no parking or entry fee listed. Minnesota residents need a registered off-highway motorcycle (the DNR lists $45 for three calendar years, plus issuing fee). Non-residents need a non-resident OHM state trail pass, listed at $21 for a calendar year including the service fee. The pass does not need to be displayed on the bike but must be available if an officer asks. Riders must follow the DNR off-highway vehicle regulations, including the spark arrester and sound-limit rules, and youth under 18 must wear a helmet. Motorcycles cannot ride in highway ditches unless they are on an approved OHM trail. Cell coverage is spotty, so ride with a buddy and use the emergency trail locator signs if you need help.

Camping and services

Camping at the trailhead is allowed but primitive. Stompin' Grounds Campground and Lodge, a few miles south on Highway 64 and right at the south end of the trail system, has showers, water, RV hookups, and a bar and grill; it often fills on weekends. RiderPlanet lists gas and a convenience store 5 to 20 miles south.

When to ride

The normal season runs May 1 to October 31, though the DNR lists it as 5/1 to 11/1. Trails can close for wet conditions or special events, so check the DNR trail closings list before you go. If the Akeley trails are too wet and muddy, the club suggests the sandier Huntersville trails about 30 minutes south.