Dakota Prairie Grasslands

Recreational Activities - Trails

Visiting the Grassland Trails

Click on a trail name and get more information below.

SPECIAL NOTES and ADVISORIES

A SPECIAL NOTE: Weather in North Dakota can change in minutes. Always pack proper gear for any eventuality because it can go from +50F to -20F overnight.

Summer thunderstorms may cause the water level at Little Missouri River crossings to suddenly increase with little or no warning. You can check the current river readings in the Canoeing Information Page.

TRAIL REGULATIONS

• The trails are closed to all motorized vehicles.

• Bicycles are not allowed on the Maah Daah Hey trail as it passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Buffalo Gap Trail is an alternative route around the park boundary for cyclists.

• Camping is prohibited on private and state land.

• Close any gates that you open.

• Stock users must use weed seed free hay or fee in order to reduce the risk of exotic/noxious plant introduction.

• Artifacts and other cultural features are protected by Federal Law. DO NOT COLLECT OR DISTURB.

• Pack out all trash and other materials. Burying trash is prohibited.

• do NOT wash dishes or use detergents in water sources.

• For proper sanitation make toilets in a shallow hole 200 feet or more from camp, water sources, and trail.

• For your safety, DO NOT APPROACH OIL AND GAS FACILITIES; poison gases may be present.

• Users must stay on the trail when crossing private and state land.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 97.2 mile hiking, horseback and mountain bicycle trail that traverses through the scenic and rugged North Dakota badlands. The trail passes through the Little Missouri National Grasslands, as well as State and private land, as it connects the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

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A 25-mile segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which crosses the Sheyenne Grasslands, is an excellent area for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Along this segment of the trail, one can see native grasses and forbs and sight great flocks of geese, ducks and sandhill cranes as they migrate through the area.

Grazing is a legitimate use in the Sheyenne National Grasslands so cattle will probably be encountered in this area. The trail passes near booming grounds for prairie chicken and sharptail grouse, so the trail user may have a unique opportunity to observe or hear these birds. However, one should use extra caution to not disturb them during mating season.

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The Summit Trail, at 4 miles long, links the CCC Campground with the Summit Campground on the McKenzie Ranger District.

 

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The Long X Loop, at 6 miles, is an excellent day hike with numerous ups and downs, located on the McKenzie Ranger District.

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US Forest Service - Dakota Prairie Grasslands
Last Modified: Monday, 07 April 2008 at 17:07:31 EDT