The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs 120 miles from Bemidji south to Brainerd, passing through forests, around dozens of lakes, and through small towns that have grown up along the old rail corridor. The surface is paved asphalt, wide enough to pass comfortably, and the grades are gentle — this was once a railway line, so it doesn't climb. In summer it is busy with cyclists doing day sections or multi-day trips; the town of Walker, about 40 miles south, is a common turnaround point for a day ride out of Bemidji and back. In winter, the trail converts to snowmobile use and sees heavy traffic.
The Bemidji trailhead sits right in town next to the lakeshore park, within walking distance of the Paul Bunyan statues. You can rent bicycles in town if you haven't brought your own. The full 120-mile route to Brainerd is a two-to-three day trip; most people do shorter sections. The stretch around Leech Lake, roughly 50 miles south, is among the more scenic parts.