Before summer is over you have the chance to immerse yourself in North Dakota’s beautiful natural landscapes. With so many parks, refuges, and national recreation trails in the state the possibilities are endless. From the river valleys to the badlands, these 9 hiking spots are some of the best ways to experience the Peace Garden State at its finest. Here they are:
- Talkington Trail - Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Matt Zimmerman/Flickr There are two parts to this amazing trail, the Lower and Upper Talkington Trails. You can combine them for an absolutely magnificent hike going through some of the most unique formations in North Dakota’s badlands. These trails are located in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
- Munch’s Coulee National Hiking Trail - Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
Jeniffer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr This national recreation trail by the Des Lacs Lakes next to Kenmare, North Dakota will take you through the gorgeous prairie valley around the water. The gently rolling hills are covered in native prairie grasses and plants and are spotted with groves of trees. There are some truly beautiful sights to see here, and the trail is well worth the trek.
- Fort Ransom State Park Nature Trail
NDPRD/Flickr This scenic little trail through Fort Ransom State Park near Fort Ransom, North Dakota takes you through the immersive forests of the Sheyenne River Valley. You’ll go over creeks, through the trees, and onto the hills overlooking the valley. This peaceful setting is truly, naturally stunning.
- Little Soldier Loop Trail - Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
lance_mountain/Flickr Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Missouri and Heart Rivers plus the On-A-Slant Village on this trail in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It’s a fairly short loop at only 1.76 miles and will provide the best vistas of the park. This park is located near Mandan, North Dakota.
- Sullys Hill Nature Trail - Sullys Hill National Game Preserve
Beatnik Photos/Flickr The absolutely phenomenal Sullys Hill National Game Preserve has a great nature trail that is the perfect way to experience the park. These fantastic views of Devils Lake are hard to beat, and the trail is great for spotting wildlife.
- Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge Trail
Johnida Dockens/Flickr Located right on the Upper Souris River just north west of Minot, North Dakota is a gorgeous wildlife refuge with trails that will make your trip unforgettable. These panoramic views are fantastic to see in person, and definitely worth bringing the camera for.
- Killdeer Mountains
kelley/Flickr Not far from Killdeer, North Dakota are the Killdeer Mountains. There are trails up the mountains with mesmerizing views you won’t find anywhere else in North Dakota. The trails might be a bit of a trek for a beginner, but the views are definitely worth the trip.
- J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge Trails
Gary Eslinger/USFWS/Flickr Explore the landscape of the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge by taking the interpretive trails through the park. Located near Upham, North Dakota, the trails take on the unique terrain of wetlands, sand hills, and prairies of the area. There is plenty of wildlife to spot while you’re on the trail.
- Buckhorn Trail - Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Witt06/Tripadvisor This trail is in the North Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and features some of the parks most iconic features. The canyons, prairie dog towns, and impressive views are all included on the Buckhorn Trail and it’s one of the best ones to take if you want to truly experience this part of the park.
Where are your favorite hiking spots in North Dakota? If you want to find more to add to your summer plans, click here.
Matt Zimmerman/Flickr
There are two parts to this amazing trail, the Lower and Upper Talkington Trails. You can combine them for an absolutely magnificent hike going through some of the most unique formations in North Dakota’s badlands. These trails are located in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Jeniffer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr
This national recreation trail by the Des Lacs Lakes next to Kenmare, North Dakota will take you through the gorgeous prairie valley around the water. The gently rolling hills are covered in native prairie grasses and plants and are spotted with groves of trees. There are some truly beautiful sights to see here, and the trail is well worth the trek.
NDPRD/Flickr
This scenic little trail through Fort Ransom State Park near Fort Ransom, North Dakota takes you through the immersive forests of the Sheyenne River Valley. You’ll go over creeks, through the trees, and onto the hills overlooking the valley. This peaceful setting is truly, naturally stunning.
lance_mountain/Flickr
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Missouri and Heart Rivers plus the On-A-Slant Village on this trail in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. It’s a fairly short loop at only 1.76 miles and will provide the best vistas of the park. This park is located near Mandan, North Dakota.
Beatnik Photos/Flickr
The absolutely phenomenal Sullys Hill National Game Preserve has a great nature trail that is the perfect way to experience the park. These fantastic views of Devils Lake are hard to beat, and the trail is great for spotting wildlife.
Johnida Dockens/Flickr
Located right on the Upper Souris River just north west of Minot, North Dakota is a gorgeous wildlife refuge with trails that will make your trip unforgettable. These panoramic views are fantastic to see in person, and definitely worth bringing the camera for.
kelley/Flickr
Not far from Killdeer, North Dakota are the Killdeer Mountains. There are trails up the mountains with mesmerizing views you won’t find anywhere else in North Dakota. The trails might be a bit of a trek for a beginner, but the views are definitely worth the trip.
Gary Eslinger/USFWS/Flickr
Explore the landscape of the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge by taking the interpretive trails through the park. Located near Upham, North Dakota, the trails take on the unique terrain of wetlands, sand hills, and prairies of the area. There is plenty of wildlife to spot while you’re on the trail.
Witt06/Tripadvisor
This trail is in the North Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and features some of the parks most iconic features. The canyons, prairie dog towns, and impressive views are all included on the Buckhorn Trail and it’s one of the best ones to take if you want to truly experience this part of the park.
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