North Dakota Travel Guide - 2026 Travel Guide
HIKING
2026-01-26 12:54:44
PRAIRIE PATHS TO BADLANDS BUTTES
EXPLORE THESE TRAILS
North Dakota’s 14 state parks feature over 450 miles of trails, offering options for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. Visitor favorites include the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail (see page 47), Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, and more than 100 miles of trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (see page 4). Please be a good steward of the land by respecting wildlife and following leave-no-trace practices.
The North Country National Scenic Trail enters North Dakota near Wahpeton and stretches 475 miles, winding through scenic areas like the Sheyenne River Valley and Valley City — known as the “City of Bridges.” Hike through the open country of eastern and central North Dakota, with its expansive skies and breathtaking sunsets. The trail ends at Lake Sakakawea, but not before you get an up-close look at our rich history of bonanza farms, historic routes and Native American cultural sites.
The Pembina Gorge, carved by the Pembina River, is a region of stunning hills and valleys in the northeastern part of the state near Walhalla. More than 20 miles of trails have been built, providing hikers paths through one of the largest uninterrupted areas of woodland in the state.
Keep it relaxed with a leisurely day hike or go all-in with back country camping.
MORE FAVORITE TRAILS
Black Butte Adventures
Velva 5 miles
Hiking and biking exploring acres of native prairie short grass and flowers.
Burlington Walking Path
Burlington 5 miles
Paved trail through rural, rolling countryside that connects the cities of Minot and Burlington.
Crooked Crane Trail
Dickinson 1.9 miles
A multi-surfaced trail with unique fitness and play equipment. Six trailheads with parking and trail access.
Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel
Cartwright 1 mile
Trail follows old rail line through a tunnel and over the Yellowstone River.
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
West of Williston 1 mile
Scenery and history at the MissouriYellowstone confluence.
Greenway of Greater Grand Forks
Grand Forks 21 miles
2,200 acres of natural open space along the Red River.
Harmon Lake Recreation Area
North of Mandan 13.1 miles
Trail around a lake in hills and natural prairie setting.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Stanton 12.5 miles
River and prairie views at historic Native American village site.
Long X to Maah Daah Hey Loop
South of Watford City 10.8 miles
Historic cattle drive trail in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.
Minot Outdoor Recreation Area
Minot 5 miles
Hiking, biking, birding and site seeing trails for all ages and abilities.
Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail
Bismarck-Mandan 4.6 miles
Paved walking and biking trail along the Missouri River.
North Dakota State Parks
Statewide more than 450 miles
Featuring a variety of landscapes, nature and wildlife.
National Wildlife Refuges
Statewide 40 miles
Many self-guided nature trails, including observation blinds.
Northern Cass Pass
Arthur/Hunter 6 miles
Rail-to-trail route through beautiful farmland.
Nux Baa Ga Trail
West of Garrison 6 miles
A Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail with trailhead at Indian Hills Resort.
Point to Point Trails
Medora 1.5 miles
Hike to the best view of town or climb ladders straight to the top.
Pipestem Creek Trail
Jamestown 8 miles
Winding path over grassy hills and wooded valleys.
Sheyennne National Grassland
East of Lisbon 42 miles
Includes 30 miles of the North Country Scenic Trail.
Tatman Branch Trail
North of Minot 10 miles
Gravel trail connects Minot to Minot Air Force Base.
Tipi Trail
West of Williston 1 miles
Overlooks Lake Sakakawea and begins and ends at Whitetail Bay.
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
West of Lake Metigoshe 10 miles
Forest trails open to motorized and non-motorized use.
Washburn Discovery Trail
Washburn 2.2 miles
Views of the Missouri River beginning at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
White Butte (ND’s highest point)
South of Amidon 2 miles
Short, steep hike to a magnificent view of the prairie.
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HIKING
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