In our completely biased opinion, Watford City, North Dakota offers some of the most beautiful views in all of North Dakota. One of our favorite ways to explore and take in the scenery is on the Maah Daah Hey Trail! This location is the perfect spot to take an afternoon hike or bike ride. Whether you have been on the trail once or one hundred times, there is always something new to see!
The Maah Daah Hey Trail stretches 140 miles through North Dakota's Badlands. Four other trails connect to the Maah Daah Hey, including the Long X Trail, Cottonwood Trail, Summit Trail and Buffalo Gap Trail.
The trail begins about 20 miles south of Watford City, along Highway 85, at the US Forest Service CCC Campground and ends Sully Creek State Park in Medora. It is free to enter and hike or bike along the trails and pets are allowed. You can even horseback ride along the trail. Campgrounds, with restrooms, are spaced out about every 20 miles along the trail. Please note, bikes are not permitted on the trail in the stretch that passes through Theodore Roosevelt Park, but there are surrounding trails that offer a biking detour around this.
Not only are there scenic views of the Little Missouri River along the trail, but you are likely to encounter North Dakotan wildlife, too! You are most likely to encounter buffalo along the trail, but there is a chance that you will see skunks, porcupines and possibly snakes. The easiest way to deter these creatures is with a hiker's bell.
The trails was named by the Mandan Indians and means "an area that has been or will be around for a long time." We certainly hope this holds true! The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a North Dakota treasure, and we hope you have the opportunity to experience and enjoy it for yourselves! It is about a 25-minute drive from The Glen at Hunter's Run apartment homes to the trail entrance at CCC Campground.
What are your favorite spots along the trail or ways to use the trail? Share your thoughts with us on The Glen at Hunter's Run Facebook and Twitter pages! We look forward to your insights!
Sources consulted:
Maah Daah Hey Trail Association
North Dakota Legendary
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