Open Travel Guide
Hiking in North Dakota

North Dakota Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in North Dakota.

By Updated

This guide covers 8+ hiking trails in North Dakota — Petrified Forest Loop Trail, Maah Daah Hey Trail (Section Near Sully Creek) and Wind Canyon Trail top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

North Dakota is a vast Great Plains state in the northern United States, renowned for the rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the sweeping prairies, rich Native American heritage, and the largest contiguous waterfowl nesting habitat in North America. Bismarck serves as the capital, while Fargo is the cultural and commercial hub. The state surprises visitors with world-class museums, frontier history, and dramatic landscapes that few tourists know about.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Petrified Forest Loop Trail

    10.4 miles (16.7 km) round trip4–6 hours600 ft (183 m) gain

  2. 2

    Maah Daah Hey Trail (Section Near Sully Creek)

    Sections from 5 to 144 miles; most hikers do 10–20 mile day sectionsFull trail: 10–14 days; day sections: 4–8 hoursVariable; 400–900 ft (120–275 m) gain per section

  3. 3

    Wind Canyon Trail

    0.4 miles (0.6 km) round trip30–45 minutes110 ft (34 m) gain

  4. 4

    Caprock Coulee Nature Trail

    4.4 miles (7.1 km) loop2–3 hours460 ft (140 m) gain

  5. 5

    Buckhorn Trail

    13.7 miles (22 km) loop6–9 hours or overnight800 ft (244 m) gain

  6. 6

    Sheyenne Grassland Prairie Trail

    Various loops from 3–25 miles2–8 hours depending on routeMinimal; 50–200 ft (15–60 m) gain

  7. 7

    Fort Ransom State Park Trails

    Various loops from 1–8 miles1–4 hours200–400 ft (60–120 m) gain on ridge trails

  8. 8

    Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area Trails

    Various trails from 3–15 miles2–6 hours300–500 ft (90–150 m) gain

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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