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Hike North Dakota’s most unforgettable trails—across rugged badlands, rolling prairie, wooded river corridors, and peaceful wetlands.
North Dakota is home to an impressive variety of hiking experiences. Wander beneath towering cottonwoods along the Missouri River. Explore rolling tallgrass prairie alive with wildflowers and songbirds. Climb through the colorful badlands of Theodore Roosevelt Country. Hike portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail and Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. Stand atop White Butte for panoramic views across the Great Plains. The new edition of North Dakota’s Best Hiking Trails leads you to the state’s most rewarding walks, from beloved destinations to hidden gems.
Longtime naturalist and former park ranger Scott Kudelka has spent decades traversing North Dakota’s parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and backroads. In this comprehensive guide, he shares his favorite hikes across the Red River Valley, Prairie Potholes, Missouri River Plateau, and Badlands regions, helping you experience the remarkable variety of landscapes that make the Peace Garden State unique.
Each featured hike includes clear route descriptions, mileage, facilities, terrain, driving directions, and practical tips to help you enjoy the trail with confidence. Throughout the book, engaging “Did You Know?” sidebars reveal the fascinating natural and cultural history behind each destination. Whether you’re planning a leisurely family outing, searching for a rejuvenating nature walk, or tackling a challenging backcountry trek, you’ll find trails to match every interest and ability.
Inside you’ll find:
- Expert recommendations for North Dakota’s most rewarding hikes
- Routes for every skill level, from easy family walks to challenging treks
- Trail details including distance, surface, and terrain
- Insider tips to help you make the most of every adventure
Scott Kudelka grew up in southeastern North Dakota. Over the years, he has traveled from one end of the state to the other, exploring many of the unique areas on a diverse cross-section of landscapes. He spent 15 years working for the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department at various state parks. He now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Introduction
Best Hikes of North Dakota
Red River Valley Region
- Fargo-Moorhead Trail System
- The Grand Forks Greenway
- Turtle River State Park
- Icelandic State Park
- Pembina Gorge State Park
- Sheyenne National Grasslands
- Heath-Kudelka Farm
- Head of the Mountain State Nature Preserve
- Sheyenne River State Forest
- Fort Ransom State Park
- Lake Ashtabula
Prairie Potholes Region
- International Peace Garden
- Lake Metigoshe State Park
- J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge
- Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge
- Denbigh Experimental Forest
- Grahams Island State Park
- White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
- New Rockford Canal
- Lonetree Wildlife Management Area
- McClusky Canal
- Pipestem Dam & Lake
- Beaver Lake State Park
Missouri River Plateau Region
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
- Bismarck-Mandan Trail System
- Missouri River State Natural Area
- Cross Ranch State Park
- Cross Ranch Nature Preserve
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
- Lake Sakakawea State Park
- Fort Stevenson State Park
- Indian Hills State Recreation Area
The Badlands Region
- Maah Daah Hey Trail
- Little Missouri State Park
- Lewis & Clark State Park
- Wildwood Park
- Fairview Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park—North Unit
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park—South Unit
- White Butte
Resources
Index
About the Author