Riding the Paul Bunyan State Forest
Riding the Paul Bunyan State Forest can be a rewarding way to explore north-central Minnesota, but finding legal routes, checking seasonal closures, and choosing a suitable trail can take more planning than expected. This guide explains how to prepare, navigate the forest responsibly, and make a safer day of riding without assuming every forest road or path is open to ATVs.
Plan a Paul Bunyan State Forest Ride
Know where motorized riding is allowed
Paul Bunyan State Forest is a large public-land area, not one continuous ATV trail. The key distinction is that being inside a state forest does not automatically mean you can ride anywhere in it. Motorized use is limited to routes designated for that use, and signs, gates, maps, and closures may determine where you can legally travel.
Before unloading, identify the specific trails and roads open to your machine. A forest road may be open to highway vehicles but not to ATVs, while a designated trail may have its own rules for machine size or direction of travel. Do not cut around a closed gate or follow tire tracks off a marked route. Another rider’s tracks are not proof that a route is open.
A good first step is reviewing Minnesota State Forest Riding and Reading a Minnesota OHV Trail Map alongside current official maps and signs at the trailhead. Use those resources to understand the designated route network, then follow posted instructions on the ground. If information conflicts, treat the closure or restriction you can see on site seriously and choose another route.
Choose a ride that fits your machine and group
Not every route suits every ATV or UTV. A narrow trail can be a poor match for a wide side-by-side, and a technical section can turn an otherwise pleasant family ride into a stressful one. Check posted width limits and route designations before you go, especially if you are bringing a full-size UTV or a machine with wider accessories.
Think about the least experienced rider in your group, too. A beginner may be more comfortable on a shorter out-and-back route than on an unfamiliar loop with multiple junctions. If your party has different machine types, agree on a route that everyone can legally and safely ride. Minnesota Trails That Suit a 50-Inch Machine can help frame the width question, but verify that the particular route you plan to use allows your machine.
It also helps to talk through a simple turnaround plan before starting. Decide where you will regroup if someone falls behind, what you will do if a machine develops a problem, and how far the group is willing to travel before heading back. That small conversation can prevent a minor navigation mix-up from becoming a long afternoon of searching.
Check trail status before leaving home
Trail conditions can change with weather, maintenance, and seasonal restrictions. A route that appeared suitable on a map during trip planning may be closed when you arrive. Check [Checking Minnesota Trail Status Before You Drive] before loading the trailer, and confirm whether any relevant access point or route is closed.
Spring thaw deserves special attention. Soft ground is easily damaged by repeated tires, and riding during a closure can worsen erosion or rutting. Look for posted closure notices and review Minnesota Trail Closures in Spring Thaw when planning an early-season outing. After heavy rain, use the same cautious approach even if a route is technically open: standing water and muddy stretches can make traction unpredictable and increase the chance of damaging the trail.
| Planning question | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Is the route open? | Current notices, signs, gates, and official trail information | Closures can change access |
| Is my machine allowed? | Route designation and posted width restrictions | Some trails are not suitable for every ATV or UTV |
| Can everyone manage the ride? | Distance, difficulty, group experience, and turnaround points | A route should fit the least experienced rider |
| Where can I stage? | Designated parking and unloading areas | Parking or unloading in the wrong place can block access |
| What is our backup plan? | Alternate route, fuel range, communication plan, and recovery basics | Helps when weather or trail conditions change |
Navigate the Forest Without Guesswork
Use maps as planning tools, not permission
A map is useful for planning, but it is not a substitute for route signs or current restrictions. Maps may show roads, trails, and land boundaries together, which can make it easy to mistake one type of route for another. Before you ride, understand the map legend and identify which lines are designated for your machine.
Digital mapping tools can help you see your position and nearby route options, particularly at junctions where the trail name or direction is not obvious. onX Offroad can be useful for reviewing mapped routes and planning offline navigation, especially where cell service is unreliable. Still, treat any app as a supplement: confirm access with official information and obey posted signs, gates, and closures.
For a smoother ride, download the map area or save the information you need before you leave a town or trailhead with reliable reception. Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a paper map as a backup. A phone can lose power, get wet, or become difficult to use with gloves on, and a paper map gives your group another way to orient itself if electronics fail.
Pay attention at junctions and trailheads
Trailheads and intersections are places where riders often make avoidable mistakes. A group may follow the first set of tracks it sees, miss a small sign, or turn onto a route that is not intended for its machine. Slow down at junctions, read the signs as a group, and make sure everyone knows which direction to take before moving on.
At a staging area, park and unload only where permitted. Keep access lanes clear, leave room for other trailers to maneuver, and avoid blocking gates or roads. Minnesota Trailhead Parking and Staging covers the practical details to think through before arriving. If the lot is full, do not create an improvised parking space that blocks traffic or damages vegetation; use an appropriate alternate access point instead.
When using onX Offroad or another navigation app, agree on how the group will handle a missed turn. A useful rule is to stop at the next safe place and wait rather than continuing farther in different directions. If one rider is out of sight, the rest of the group should avoid splitting up to search without a plan. Staying together makes it easier to navigate and respond if a machine has trouble.
Prepare for limited cell service
Cell coverage can be inconsistent in wooded areas, and a phone map may not load when you need it most. Save your route information in advance, share your expected riding area with someone who is not on the trip, and set a time when you will check in after the ride. Tell that person what to do if your group does not return or make contact as planned.
Carry basic supplies suited to the length and remoteness of your trip. Water, snacks, a first-aid kit, warm or rain-ready layers, and a charged power bank can make an unexpected delay much more manageable. Bring the tools and recovery gear appropriate for your machine, but do not attempt a risky recovery just to avoid calling for help.
A navigation app can reduce the chance of taking a wrong turn, but it cannot tell you whether a route is currently open unless you have checked the relevant restrictions. Use it to understand where you are, not to justify riding around a barrier or leaving a designated route.
Ride Considerately and Handle Common Problems
Protect the trail and respect other forest users
Stay on the designated route, even when a muddy section looks easier to bypass through the woods. Riding around an obstacle can widen the trail, damage plants, and create a new route that was never authorized. If a section feels unsafe or impassable, turn around when you can do so safely and report the issue through an appropriate trail or land-management channel.
Reduce speed near trailheads, intersections, other riders, and areas where people may be walking. Be prepared for unexpected encounters with wildlife, work crews, and other forest users. Give others room, avoid sudden movements, and keep your group together without crowding the trail. A courteous pace also gives you more time to spot washouts, branches, and other hazards.
Do not assume that a quiet route is an empty route. Riders can approach from the opposite direction, and sightlines may be short around bends or among trees. Use extra caution in dusty conditions, after rain, and near road crossings. If your group stops, pull completely out of the travel path where it is safe and legal to do so.
Make a practical fuel and turnaround plan
Fuel planning is easy to underestimate when a route looks short on a map. Stops, slow sections, navigation errors, and detours can all add time and distance. Start with a full tank, know your machine’s approximate range under the conditions you expect, and leave a buffer rather than planning to use every last bit of fuel. Fuel Planning for a Minnesota Trail Day offers a useful checklist for thinking beyond the advertised range of a machine.
Set a turnaround point based on fuel, daylight, and the group’s comfort level. If the ride is taking longer than expected, turn back before anyone is pressed for time. A shorter ride that ends comfortably is better than pushing on because the group feels committed to reaching a particular point.
Carry what you need to deal with small issues, such as a loose fastener or a minor tire problem, but know your limits. If a repair or recovery would put someone at risk, stop and reassess. A machine is replaceable; a hurried recovery on uneven or slippery ground can injure a rider.
Choose a route with useful landmarks
A route with recognizable turns, access points, or nearby communities can be easier to manage than a ride built around vague distance estimates. Before setting out, note your starting point, major junctions, likely return direction, and any alternate way back. Make sure each rider understands the plan, not just the person holding the phone.
If you are considering the Round River area, review Round River Drive in the Paul Bunyan Forest as a starting point for route research. Do not treat a trail name or map listing as confirmation that every connecting segment is open to your machine. Confirm the route’s current status, permitted use, and access conditions before you commit to it.
For visitors unfamiliar with the forest, a conservative first ride is often the best introduction. Start with a route you can easily retrace, leave time to stop and check signs, and save longer explorations for a later trip after you understand the area. That approach leaves room to enjoy the ride instead of constantly worrying about whether the group has missed a turn.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
