Paul Bunyan State Forest
Paul Bunyan State Forest is an easy 60+ miles off-road trail near Akeley, MN, best run May - October. No gear is marked required; All-terrain tires, 4WD helpful and Recovery boards are recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
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Paul Bunyan State Forest delivers a family-friendly overlanding experience through Minnesota's iconic northwoods landscape. Towering red pines line sandy forest roads that wind past pristine lakes, through wildflower meadows, and to dispersed campsites perfect for weekend getaways. The terrain is gentle enough for stock SUVs, making this the ideal destination for those new to overlanding or families with children.
Fun Facts
Akeley claims to have the world's largest Paul Bunyan statue - you can sit in his hand.
Paul Bunyan State Forest covers over 90,000 acres of pine and mixed hardwood.
The forest is home to the Mantrap Lake area, named after a fur trader's mishap.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
Closest campgrounds to Paul Bunyan State Forest:
- Northern Lights Casino · Walker · 10 mi (straight-line)
- Mantrap Lake Campground · Park Rapids · 11 mi (straight-line)
- Gulch Lake Campground · Laporte · 12 mi (straight-line)
- Stony Point Campground · Walker · 16 mi (straight-line)
- South Pike Bay Campground · Cass Lake · 24 mi (straight-line)
- Itasca State Park · Park Rapids · 27 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Akeley, MN
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Stock rigs can usually run this trail, but the right tire size and fitment make it more enjoyable.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Verify your stock tires meet minimum clearance for this trail.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Ensure any wheel upgrade clears your factory suspension.