NORTH WOODS PAVED BIKE TRAILS

Paul Bunyan State Trail:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/paul_bunyan

Heartland State Trail:

www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/heartland

Migizi Bike Trail: This 18-mile paved trail in Chippewa National Forest joins the north end of the Heartland Trail and circles Pike Bay near the town of Cass Lake. www.fs.fed.us/r9/chippewa/camp/dedication.shtml

Gitchi-Gami Trail: When completed, the Gitchi-Gami will run along the North Shore of Lake Superior, from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. Unfortunately, less than 26 miles has been paved. In fact, the longest segment is about 15 miles long. Keep this trail in mind for the future. www.ggta.org

Willard Munger State Trail: The 63 miles of the Willard Munger State Trail between Hinckley and Duluth has a real North Woods feel and provides spectacular views of Jay Cooke State Park and overlooks Duluth and the lower reaches of the St. Louis River. www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/ willard_munger

Mesabi Trail: The Mesabi Trail runs through northern Minnesota's iron mining country. The longest continuously paved section, about 75 miles, connects Grand Rapids with McKinley, through the towns of Nashwauk, Keewatin, Hibbing, Chisholm, Mountain Iron and Virginia. When complete, the trail will run 132 miles, all the way to Ely. www.mesabitrail.com.

Itasca State Park: The 16-mile-long loop through Itasca State Park includes an off-road paved trail from Douglas Lodge to the headwaters area. The rest of the route follows the Wilderness Drive Loop (also used by cars). www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/trails.html

GREG BREINING