Trail: Cross Ranch Trails
National Park: North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Beach(es)
Creek(s)
Geological feature(s)
Grove(s)
Meadow(s)
River(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Activities: Camping
Camping - Backpacking
Dogs - On leash
Fishing
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Skiing, cross-country
Snow - Showshoeing
Wildlife observation - Birds
Wildlife observation - Mammals
Hunting - Big game
Snow - Snow play, general
Others
Elevation: 1714 ft
Miles: 14.7 miles
Desc: Opened in 1989, this 15-mile trail system is the result of a partnership between the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and The Nature Conservancy. Here visitors travel through a diverse landscape sculpted by the Missouri river at the heart of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The trail system is a series of interconnected loops which run along nearly 1,500 acres of floodplain woodland on this free-flowing stretch of the Missouri before moving onto high bluffs overlooking the river.
The cottonwood-ash woodlands and mixed grass prairie provide many wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to see bald eagles, the endangered least tern, and the threatened pipiing plover. Lewis and Clark enthusiasts have the chance to see the Missouri river and its cottonwood river bottoms much as Lewis and Cark saw them. A number of ancient Indian village sites can also be found in the vicinity of the trail.
Interpretive signs and a self-guided nature trail provide interpretation on these natural, historic, and cultural resources. In addition to hiking, the trail is heavily used by cross-country skiers from the nearby communities of Washburn, Center, and Bismarck, who enjoy the 10 miles of groomed traill. At all times of the year, trail users also enjoy staying overnight at Cross Ranch in our rustic cabins, campgrounds, or backcountry campsites.
Cross Ranch State Park is located 12 miles southeast of Hensler via paved roads, or 6 miles by gravel. For paved access roads follow the brown park directional signs located on Hwy. 200 or Hwy. 25.

Trail: Hay Creek Trail
National Park: Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Creek(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Wetland(s)
Activities: Bicycling (any)
Bicycling - Mountain
Dogs - On leash
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Roller/Inline Skating
Skateboarding
Wildlife observation - Birds
Wildlife observation - Mammals

Elevation: 1810 ft
Miles: 5.25 miles
Desc: The Hay Creek Trail is a 5.25 mile assault/concrete recreational trail which meanders through the Hay Creek Corridor. Proposed extensions to this trail will add another 3.5 miles over the next three years. The trail winds through a native creek area enhanced by environmental management practices, which preserve the natural stream bed and provide storm water management. The trail weaves through both residential and commercial developments in eastern Bismarck, as it is “connecting people to places” - our recreational trail development theme. The Hay Creek Trail allows users access to recreational, educational, and environmental experiences along its path.

Along the Hay Creek Trail, users have access to: Pebble Creek Golf Course, a 9-hole, 35 par, natural links course; the Fore Seasons Center has a 31-station, indoor driving range that serves as a center for golf, soccer, and football; the newly developed junior links course and practice area; Sleepy Hollow Arts; as well as a mountain bike trail, picnic shelter, playgrounds, and an outdoor wildlife learning center.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Dept.’s Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site provides youth with an experiential learning environment promoting the outdoors’ wonders and includes a fishing pond. This site will serve as a trailhead for the Hay Creek Trail, with connection to other trail development. Buckstop Junction, a 20-acre historic town, contains buildings of the late 1800s and early 1900s, a mine camp and the Missouri Valley Fairgrounds.

Trail: J. Clark Salyer Canoe
National Park: US Fish + Wildlife Service
Miles: 13 miles
Desc: Certified in 1981 this is North Dakotas only nationally recognized canoe trail and is located on the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. The Souris (or Mouse) River flows north here into Canada. A 5-mile route (2 to 3 hours) or a 13-mile route (5 to 7 hours) can be taken. The trail is well marked with mile markers and 3 access points along the river. There are also foot trails, interpretive displays and a visitor center at the Refuge Headquarters.

Trail: Maah Daah Hey
National Park: USDA Forest Service
Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Creek(s)
Geological feature(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Meadow(s)
River(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Spring(s)/geyser(s)
Swimming area(s)
Valley(s)/canyon(s)
Activities: Bicycling (any)
Bicycling - Mountain
Camping
Camping - Backpacking
Dogs - Mushing
Dogs - On leash
Equestrian - riding
Equestrian - pack trips
Equestrian - other stock
Fishing
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Shooting - Archery
Snow - Skiing, cross-country
Snow - Showshoeing
Wildlife observation - Birds
Motorized vehicles - Snowmobiling
Hunting (any)
Hunting - Archery
Hunting - Big game
Hunting - Bird
Hunting - Small game
Land sailing
Rock climbing
Rockhounding
Snow - Snow play, general
Elevation: 2700 ft
Miles: 96 miles
Desc: The term ‘Maah-Daah-Hey’ comes from the Mandan Indian language meaning ‘Grandfather’ and the trail symbol of a ‘Turtle’ comes from the Lakota Indians meaning long life, and patience. The MDH Trail came into being as a three-partner effort with the North Dakota State Park and Recreation Dept., Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) and the United States Forest Service (FS). Construction of the 96 mile long MDHT started in 1995 and was completed in 1999. The trail traverses the ‘Badlands’ of southwestern North Dakota, of which, 77 miles are in the Little Missouri National Grasslands (LMNG), 11 miles in the TRNP, 6 miles through State Lands and 2 miles through private lands. This area is full of unique geological formations and cultural resources. Native Americans used the area for annual hunting trips from the surrounding prairie. The MDH Trail passes by Theodore Roosevelts ‘Elkhorn Ranch’ site on the Little Missouri River as well as General Sullys Trail and the CCC Historical Site. The trail was purposely located away from the roads, oil wells, and other impacts of civilization. The trail lies lightly on the land and the grade was kept to 8% over most of the location. This was done to keep maintenance at a minimum, while providing an excellent experience for a variety of users.
Since its inception, the MDHT has become recognized as a premier non-motorized trail and has been featured in many national publications. The FS has groups volunteering to adopt portions of the trail and the MDHT Association was formed to help maintain the trail. Other volunteer groups include the International Mountain Bike Association, which hosted an ‘Epic Ride’ in 2001. The MDHT is the backbone of our recreation program on the LMNG, 4 new campgrounds were constructed along the trail and 2 others were upgraded to provide for the needs of our growing number of trail users. The partnerships forged during the development of the trail continue today. The FS receives funds from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the State Park and Rec. Dept. augmenting our trail maintenance program.

Trail: Munch’s Coulee Hiking Trail
National Park: Des Lacs NWR Complex
Features: Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Wetland(s)
Other (describe below)
Activities: Dogs - On leash
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Shooting - Skeet
Wildlife observation - Birds
Wildlife observation - Mammals
Hunting (any)
Rock climbing
Rockhounding
Elevation: 1965 ft
Desc: The bottom portion of the trail is in the draw where excellent bird watching opportunities abound. There is a small pool of water within comfortable viewing distance from the first bench. Turtles and duck broods can regularly be found in the spring. The trail then climbs up the side of the draw to the upland prairie.
The upland portion is one of the best places on the refuge to view native wildflowers as well as upland birds. The upland portion of the trail as it returns to the parking area allows visitors a spectacular view of the lake and marsh.
The bottom portion of the trail is hard surfaced and is intended to be accessible to all. Four benches provide resting areas along the top and bottom of the trail. Munch’s Coulee is an excellent area to work with school groups as it is located on a road easily navigated by buses, has ample parking, and includes most of the habitats found on the refuge within the area.
Approsimately 5.5 miles south of Kenmare on the Des Lacs NWR Auto tour route.

Trail: Old Oak
National Park: North Dakota Parks + Recreation
Features: Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Activities: Dogs - On leash
Camping - Backpacking
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Skiing, cross-country
Snow - Showshoeing
Wildlife observation - Birds
Swimming

Difficulty: Intermediate
Desc: Certified in 1976 as a National Recreation Trail the Old Oak became North Dakotas first nationally recognized trail and is located at Lake Metigoshe State Park. The 3-mile nature trail winds through the aspen, birch and oak forests of the Turtle Mountains along the Canada-US border. Interpretive markers are place along the trail with a corresponding brochure to identify natural wonders. The trail can be used for hiking, biking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

Trail: Roughrider
National Park: North Dakota Parks and Recreation
Features: River(s)
Archeo/paleo/historical
Geological feature(s)
Activities: Dogs - On leash
Camping - Backpacking
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Bicycling - Mountain
Snow - Skiing, cross-country
Motorized vehicles - ATV riding
Motorized vehicles - Motorcycling
Motorized vehicles - Snowmobiling
Wildlife observation - Birds
Swimming

Difficulty: Intermediate
Miles: 23 miles
Desc: This is a railroad bed converted into a trail for winter use for snowmobiles and ATV use during spring and summer 23 miles of dirt trail
Just south of Fort Lincoln State Park. It is an old railroad bed converted to trail use.

Trail: Wild Wood
National Park: North Dakota Parks and Recreation
Features: River(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Meadow(s)
Archeo/paleo/historical
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Activities: Camping - Backpacking
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Wildlife observation - Birds
Swimming

Difficulty: Easy
Miles: .75 miles
Desc: Located in Gunlogsen Nature Preserve, NDs first Nature Preserve. Across its 94 acre expanse are found 3 state rare species of bird, rare fish and plans in a premier woodland/wetland community. Trail guide and education information posts explain.
Icelandic State park is located 5 miles west of Cavalier ND on Hwy 5.