North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Maah Daah Hey Trail cross rugged badlands and bison country. Give bison at least 75 feet and more space if they change…
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Maah Daah Hey Trail cross rugged badlands and bison country. Give bison at least 75 feet and more space if they change behavior.
Why North Dakota's trails stand out
North Dakota hiking is quiet, wide-open, and uncrowded. In Theodore Roosevelt National Park and along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, paths cross eroded badlands of banded hills, bentonite clay, and open prairie where bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs may be part of the scenery. There are few trees and little shade, so the landscape feels exposed and dramatic rather than cosy. That solitude is the reward: big skies, views, and trails where you may walk for hours meeting wildlife more often than people.
What to do, step by step
- Check current park and trail conditions, weather, and any closures or alerts from official sources before you set out.
- Confirm entry, camping, and permit requirements for your exact route, since backcountry stays can need planning.
- Time your walk for cooler morning or evening hours, and turn back early if heat, wind, or storms build.
- Carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding it, plus sun protection, sturdy footwear, and an offline map.
- Stay on durable surfaces, keep well back from wildlife, and pack out everything you carried in.
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