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Maah Daah Hey Trail
"An area that has been or will be around a long time....."
That's what the trail name is called, "Maah Daah Hey", which comes from the Mandan Indians. In the Mandan language, one word or phrase can describe a picture, feeling, or situation. In this case, the phrase means "an area that has been or will be around for a long time."
The trail traverses an area of highly dissected badlands surrounded by large expanses of gently rolling prairie. This area of North Dakota provides prime habitat for a variety of mammals and birds. Mule deer and coyotes are often sighted, while an occasional golden eagle or prairie falcon may be spotted soaring above.
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The new trail maps are in stock and available for $9.00 each from any District office or the Supervisor's office in Bismarck, ND.
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The
trail uses a turtle as the trail marker. The turtle was honored
because of its firm determination, steadfastness, patience, long
life, and fortitude.
| NOTE for Trail Mountain Bikers: The trail enters Theodore Roosevelt National Park at both the North and South units. Mountain bikes are NOT allowed in these sections of the trail going through the National Park. |
The north end of the trail begins at the US Forest Service CCC Campground in McKenzie County, located 20 miles south of Watford City, off Highway 85. The 97 mile trail then winds its way to its southern terminus at Sully Creek State Park in Billings County, south of Medora.
Four fenced overnight campsites with hitching posts, vault toilets, and campfire rings are available along the trail. The Buffalo Gap Trail, a bike bypass trail around the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park is scheduled to be completed soon.
Bighorn
sheep and elk have been reintroduced into the area and can be spotted
by keen observers. In addition, bison and feral horses roam the range
in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The trail is open for use all year, but at various times of the year, the trail may be impassable due to snow, ice, high water, and mud. Users of the Maah Daah Hey Trail share the same space with horseback riders, hikers, and bicyclists. Users are expected to respect the rights of others. Shared-use trails are successful when users cooperate and abide by the rules.
US Forest Service - Dakota Prairie Grasslands
Last Modified: Monday, 07 April 2008 at 17:08:36 EDT