Scenic Trails In And Around Stillwater
Walking, Biking, Skiing, Snowmobiling, ATVing and more!
With stunning vistas surrounding you, the Gateway State Trail has over 18 miles of paved pathways for your enjoyment no matter the season! And that's just the beginning!
ATV Trails
Bike Trails
Horseback Trails
Motorcycle Touring
Stillwater Trails
The Gateway Trail – The Gateway trail is the recreational jewel of the East Metro Area of the Twin Cities. Heavily used by thousands of people year-round, the paved former Soo Line rail bed runs 18 miles from St. Paul, MN to Pine Point Park in Stillwater, MN. A branch of the 5.9 mile Brown’s Creek Trail connects to Stillwater and the St Croix River. Learn more.
Brown’s Creek – The Brown’s Creek Trail is a multi-use trail providing biking, rollerblading, running, walking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing to trail users year round. Learn more.
MN/WI Loop – As part of the new St. Croix Crossing bridge and historic lift bridge renovation project, a 5-mile loop trail connects the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the St. Croix River. As of now, you can enjoy three quarters of this trail from downtown Stillwater south to the new bridge connecting to Wisconsin. Find amazing views and river valley information at three lookout points. The view from the St. Croix Crossing bridge was named Best View 2018 by CityPages viewers. The St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail was completed in 2020 with the final section which includes the historic lift bridge. Learn more.
ATV Trails
Crow Wing Southern Loop: 19 miles
Click here for ATV trail map
Season: 5/1 – 11/1
This Minnesota ATV trail connects to the twenty mile Pine Center Trail plus the thirty one mile Fort Ripley Trail/Ripley Connection. Much of the trail passes along farm and country landscapes. This trail follows township roads, occasionally sharing the road with highway licensed vehicles. Parking is available at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Visitor Center eight miles south of Brainerd/Baxter.
Fort Ripley Trail and Ripley Connection: 31 miles
Click here for ATV trail map
Season: 5/1 – 10/31
This central Minnesota ATV trail is primarily flat and easy to ride with an occasional rolling hill. The trail narrows and winds through oak and pine covered hills near Sebie Lake, along the old Burlington Northern railroad grade. The trail is connected to Brainerd by the Crow Wing South Loop and offers additional riding on the Pine Center trail. Parking is available at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Visitor Center eight miles south of Brainerd/Baxter.
Miller- Black Bear Trail: 19 miles
Click here for ATV Trail map
Season: 5/1 – 10/31
Located six miles west of Crosby Minnesota, the Miller – Black Bear trail travels 19 miles over rolling hills and past scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River. Six sites with picnic tables and grills are found along the trail.Watch for wildflowers in the spring! To access the parking area take Co. Rd. 30 north from Ironton for 3 miles. Turn South onto Co. Rd. 34 for 1.3 miles, then south again onto Co. Rd. 28. Take the first right and follow 1 mile to the parking area.
Emily/Outing ATV Trail: 56 miles
Click here for ATV Trail Map
Season: 5/01 – 10/31
Ranging from rocky and hilly to flat and open, beginners and advance riders alike will enjoy this trail. Many communities along the trail are ATV-friendly, allowing ATV travel within city limits. The trail is provided and maintained by Cass County and the Over the Hills Gang. Please be aware – portions of the trail share the road with vehicle traffic.
Biking Trails
Bike trail and routes maps:
Paul Bunyan trail Map (Brainerd to Nisswa) (14.8 miles)
West Baxter/Sylvan Trail Map (23 & 32 miles)
Merrifield/Gull Dam Trail Map (31 & 34 miles)
South Long Lake Trail Map (31 miles)
Camp Jim Trail Map (26 miles)
Executive Acres Legionville Trail Map (19 miles)
Whipple Beach Trail Map (18 miles)
East Brainerd Trail Map (39 miles)
Gull Gallivant Trail Map (46 miles)
St Mathias Trail Map (32 miles)
Jacks House Trail Map (15 – 32 miles)
Mountain Bike Trails
Trail Maps:
Winter Fat Tire Trail Map (Sagamore)
Cuyuna Lakes Trail Map
Pillsbury State Forest Trail Map
Here are some additional resources to help make your visit the the Pillsbury State Forest and the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails a memorable Minnesota getaway.
Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail
Cuyuna Lakes Chamber
Pillsbury Trail
Paul Bunyan Cyclists
Hiking Trails
If you are looking for scenic MN hiking trails then look no further than the Brainerd Lakes area, Minnesota’s natural playground.
Brainerd and Baxter Minnesota are known for the scenic lakes and rivers surrounded by pristine forests with miles of hiking trails available to our year round visitors.
Trails wind through the Crow Wing State Park, Pillsbury State Forest, Cuyuna Recreational Area, in addition to smaller local secrets like Fritz Loven Park which offers hiking trails along a scenic trout stream.
A Minnesota getaway should include great lodging, excellent dining, and centralized access to a variety of great hiking trails and Brainerd offer that and more. Come play with us and explore our beautiful Minnesota hiking trails and everything else that the Brainerd Lakes area has to offer.
Horseback Trails
Miles of Minnesota Horseback riding trails through scenic forests and around beautiful lakes.
One of Brainerd’s more popular destinations is the Pillsbury State Forest which offers miles of scenic Minnesota horseback riding trails. Want the simple pleasure of a trail ride but do not have a horse. No problem, Brainerd offers several great trail riding options.