North Dakota
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There are over 1,500 known hiking and trekking trails in North Dakota.
Most popular trails:
Maah Daah Hey Trail: This 144-mile trail is considered one of the best hiking trails in the United States. It winds through the Badlands National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. (144 miles)
North Country National Scenic Trail: This 1,900-mile trail stretches from North Dakota to New York. It passes through a variety of terrain, including forests, prairies, and mountains. (1,900 miles)
Little Missouri State Park Trails: This park has over 25 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails offer views of the Badlands National Park and the Little Missouri River. (25 miles)
Lake Metigoshe State Park Trails: This park has several miles of rolling hills and multi-use trails. The trails offer views of Lake Metigoshe and the Turtle Mountains. (several miles)
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Trails: This park has trails that lead to historic landmarks, such as the site of General Custer's Last Stand. The trails also offer views of the Missouri River. (several miles)
Painted Canyon Nature Trail: This 1.2-mile trail is located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It offers stunning views of the Painted Canyon and the Little Missouri River.
The Big Plateau and Ekblom Trail Loop: This 3.4-mile trail is located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It offers stunning views of the Big Plateau and the surrounding Badlands.
Petrified Forest to Overlook Trail: This 2.9-mile trail is located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It offers stunning views of the Petrified Forest and the Little Missouri River.
Coal Vein Trail: This 1.4-mile trail is located in Little Missouri State Park. It offers stunning views of the Coal Vein and the Little Missouri River.
Cannonball River Trail: This 3.9-mile trail is located in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. It offers stunning views of the Cannonball River and the surrounding prairie.
Best trails for certain activities:
Best trail for cross-country skiing: The North Country National Scenic Trail is a great option for cross-country skiing. The trail is groomed for skiing in the winter and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Best trail for snowshoeing: The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a great option for snowshoeing. The trail is not groomed for snowshoeing, but it is wide and easy to follow.
Best trail for horseback riding: The Little Missouri State Park Trails are a great option for horseback riding. The trails are open to horses and offer stunning views of the Badlands.
Best trail for bird watching: The Audubon Center at Lake Audubon is a great place to go bird watching. The center has several trails that wind through the wetlands and offer opportunities to see a variety of birds.
Best trail for stargazing: The Little Missouri National Grasslands is a great place to go stargazing. The grasslands are far from city lights and offer clear views of the night sky.
Most challenging trails:
Achenbach, North Achenbach and Buckhorn Trail Loop: This 10.6-mile trail is located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It is rated as difficult and offers challenging climbs and stunning views.
Lower Paddock Creek Trail: This 8.4-mile trail is located in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. It is rated as difficult and offers challenging terrain and views of the Badlands.
Bennett-Maah Daah Hey-Cottonwood Loop: This 13.4-mile trail is located in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. It is rated as difficult and offers challenging terrain and views of the Badlands.
Matoaka Trail: This 10.6-mile trail is located in the Turtle Mountains. It is rated as difficult and offers challenging terrain and views of the Turtle Mountains.
Spirit Mound Trail: This 4.4-mile trail is located in the Spirit Mounds National Historic Landmark. It is rated as difficult and offers challenging terrain and views of the Spirit Mounds.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit Backcountry Trails: This is a collection of trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park that offer challenging terrain and stunning views. The trails range in length from 3 to 14 miles.
Please note that these trails are not recommended for beginners. It is important to be in good physical condition and have experience hiking in challenging terrain before attempting them.
Most family-friendly trails:
Lewis and Clark Trail Interpretive Trail: This 1.2-mile trail is located in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Discovery Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is located in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Prairie Dog Town Ecotour Trail: This 0.6-mile trail is located in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Cannonball River Trail: This 3.9-mile trail is located in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. It is relatively flat and easy to follow.
Hay Creek Trail: This 5-mile trail is located in the Little Missouri National Grasslands. It is also relatively flat and easy to follow.
Most accessible trails in the state:
Lewis and Clark Trail Interpretive Trail: This 1.2-mile trail is located in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Discovery Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is located in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Prairie Dog Town Ecotour Trail: This 0.6-mile trail is located in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Spirit Mound Trail: This 4.4-mile trail is located in the Spirit Mounds National Historic Landmark. It is wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Little Missouri State Park Trails: Several trails in Little Missouri State Park are accessible with assistance.
Where to get permits for trails:
Permits are required for some trails in North Dakota. You can get permits at the following locations:
National Park Service: The National Park Service issues permits for trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Little Missouri National Grasslands. You can get permits at the visitor centers in these parks.
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department: issues permits for trails in state parks. You can get permits at the park offices in these parks.
Private Landowners:Some trails on private land require permits. You can get permits from the landowners.
