PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL : THE RED OAK Traditional Geocache
PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL : THE RED OAK
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IN THE WOODS
In October 1992, the first 50 miles of the multi-use, recreational
Paul Bunyan Trail (from Brainerd/Baxter to Hackensack, MN) was
paved with asphalt and opened. Since its opening, an additional 30
miles have been paved; the total trail length is currently 110
miles. Creation of the Paul Bunyan Trail, named after the legendary
logger, required a Bunyan-sized effort. Construction and paving of
the trail is the longest paving project undertaken by the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources under one contract. The trail
pathway follows the original railroad line built in 1893 by
Burlington Northern and abandoned in 1983. It is now among the
longest paved "Rails to Trails" in the nation. This new Trail now
ultimately links 16 communities between its source in Brainerd/
Baxter and Lake Bemidji State Park on the north. It is
non-motorized, except for snowmobiles. Uses of the Paul Bunyan
Trail include bicycling, hiking, in-line skating, and it is fully
accessible for persons with disabilities. The Trail showcases area
pine forests, sparkling lakes, colorful wildflowers and wildlife.
The user will pass along the shorelines of 21 lakes, through scenic
wetlands, and cross bridges over streams and rivers. Trail users
will find lodging, dining and support services available at
convenient locations and in all price ranges. Vehicle parking is
available in each community along the trail. In Baxter, where the
Paul Bunyan Trail begins, a temporary parking lot is located at the
trailhead. Other lots are located in Merrifield, Pequot Lakes, Pine
River and Backus. The most recently completed paving projects
completed include the 2008 addition of the bridge over Excelsior
Road crossing in Baxter, paving of the12 miles from Bemidji south
to Guthrie, which was completed in the Spring of 2009. Paving
continued in the Spring of 2010 on the stretch of trail from
Guthrie south to Walker--yielding a continuously paved trail from
Brainerd/Baxter north to Bemidji State Park. The remaining phases
of construction, from Baxter south to the Crow Wing State Park and
the addition of a bridge over Bemidji Avenue in Bemidji, are being
completed as funding from the legislature is secured. The Paul
Bunyan Trail intersects at Walker, MN with the 47 mile Heartland
State Trail. At Bemidji, the Paul Bunyan Trail continues on as the
Blue Ox Trail, for another 110 miles to the Canadian border. With
the Paul Bunyan Trail's connection to the Heartland State Trail,
the Blue Ox Trail and other planned extensions, this system of
trails in Minnesota will become one of Americas Longest Rails to
Trails. Numerous projects along the trail are on-going and
improvements are being made every day.The geocaches have been place
on the trail in the Backus and Pineriver area.There are many other
geocache in the area too.
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