Look at the
Heartland Trail Map
GO
THE HEARTLAND TRAIL
The Heartland Trail was one of
Minnesota’s first "Rails to Trails" multi-use trails. The trail
travels 49 miles connecting the communities of Park Rapids, Dorset,
Nevis, Akeley , Walker and Cass Lake. Rebuilt in 1997, it now is wide
enough to ride two abreast on bikes and smooth enough for in-line
skating. An alternative trail for horseback riding and snowmobile runs
alongside the paved trail. The trail can be accessed in Akeley at the
rest area. There is picnic tables and parking.
The rest area is one block from the main business area.
LET
THE HEARTLAND TRAIL LEAD YOU ON AN EXHILARATING BIRD WATCHING
ADVENTURE.
As you travel the trail from Akeley
to Park Rapids, the land is fairly flat. Clumps of jack pine, red
pine, bur oak, white pine and spruce are mixed with farmland and
meadows. Along the trail are 110 blue bird houses. About 40% are
occupied with bluebird, mostly in the open land. Tree Swallows and
flying squirrels occupy some of the other houses along the trail. In
the aspen groves and busy areas, look for the ground nesting Brown
Thrasher. The picnic area at Dorset may be a place to spot the
Red-eyed Vireo. Between Nevis and Dorset in the lowland marshy areas
where small willow trees grow the Yellow Warbler and Yellow-rumped
Warbler spend the summer.
Around
mile marker 9 when crossing the Shallow River Trestle, Common Loons
may swim under the bridge. A Belted Kingfisher may be seen nearby.
Families of river otter and muskrat have homes in the river. A beaver
lodge can also be seen. Approaching Akeley, Green Herons have been
spotted flying over the trestle bridge. They can be seen around the
shores of the adjacent lake. Great Blue Herons also spend the summer
on the lake. The forested area between Akeley and Walker is home to
numbers of Ruffed Grouse. Look for Pileated Woodpeckers and Flickers
in some dead trees along the trail. Northern Orioles and Scarlet
Tanagers also inhabit the forest. As you approach Walker, nearby lakes
will be home for many waterfowl including Wood Ducks and Mallards.
Common mammals noticed along the trail include white-tailed deer,
raccoon, red fox, porcupine, beaver and muskrat.
The Heartland State Trail is a 49 mile multiple
use trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. The trail is
located entirely on a level abandoned railroad grade except for
a four mile segment north of Walker, on sharply rolling terrain.
The 27 mile segment between Park Rapids and Walker has a paved
surface. This segment also has a second grassy treadway for
horseback riding and mountain biking. The 22 mile segment from
Walker to Cass Lake is primarily compacted gravel and railroad
ballast with occasional sandy areas and can be used for hiking,
horseback riding and mountain biking.
In winter, an alternate trail is groomed for
snowmobiling between Park Rapids and Walker. (The paved trail
between Park Rapids and Walker is closed to all snowmobiles.)
Snowmobiles are allowed on the Heartland State Trail between
Walker and Cass Lake. There also are connections from the trail
to many miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the Hubbard county
Grant-in-Aid trail system.
Views of lakes, rivers and streams are
numerous, and many are accessible from the trail. The trail
passes through northern hardwood forests and stands of jack,
red, and white pine, as well as the spruce fir forest community.
The occasional majestic white pine can be seen towering over the
trail. Common mammals noticed along the trail include whitetail
deer, raccoon, red fox, porcupine, beaver and muskrat. The
observant trail user may spot coyote, weasel, mink, bobcat or
black bear. Many varieties of birds can be seen along the trail
including the bald eagle, which has a large population in the
Chippewa National Forest and surrounding area.
