The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Dakota Prairie Grasslands

The Hankinson Hills Trail Loop offers a serene journey through North Dakota's surprisingly diverse landscapes, making it one of the best loop trails near Hankinson. You'll traverse rolling sandhills, open mixed-grass prairie, and quiet oak woodlands, often on a marked and graveled path that can get sandy in spots. The scenery is consistently peaceful, providing ample opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the unique natural features of the region, particularly around the Hankinson Hills Campground.

This moderate 8.1-mile (13.0 km) hike, with a gentle 139 feet (42 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes to complete. It's a great option for those seeking a longer, yet not overly strenuous, day out. Potable water is available at the Hankinson Hills Campground from spring to fall, so plan accordingly. Summer is often the best time to visit, as the landscape is at its most vibrant and green.

What makes the Hankinson Hills Trail Loop truly stand out is its quiet solitude in a region not widely known for extensive hiking. It's a unique chance to explore the distinctive ecosystems of the Sheyenne National Grassland, offering a different kind of outdoor experience than you might expect. Beyond hiking, the trail is also popular for horseback riding and mountain biking, and it's a prime spot for wildlife watching.

This moderate 11.4-mile (18.3 km) section of the Maah Daah Hey Trail offers a fantastic introduction to North Dakota's badlands, with 788 feet (240 metres) of elevation gain that will take you about 4 hours and 56 minutes to complete. You'll traverse a striking landscape of steep buttes, vibrant clay hills, and deep canyons, interspersed with rolling prairies that provide immense, open vistas. Keep an eye out for wildlife like bison and eagles as you explore this unique terrain.

Planning your visit requires some foresight, as water sources are limited, especially before Memorial Day. The trail is exposed, so be prepared for sun and wind, and consider the best time of year to hike Maah Daah Hey Trail to avoid extreme heat or mud from wet bentonite clay. Parking is available at various trailheads along the larger Maah Daah Hey system, making access straightforward for day trips.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is renowned as the longest continuous non-motorized single-track trail in the United States, earning an "Epic" status from the International Mountain Biking Association. Its name, meaning "an area that has been or will be around for a long time" in Mandan, perfectly captures the enduring nature of its geological formations and the sense of solitude you'll find here. This trail connects units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering a profound immersion in the raw beauty of the Great Plains.

The Chimney Park Path offers a delightful, easy stroll along a paved surface, providing a smooth experience for walkers and joggers alike. You'll enjoy continuous views of the distinctive badlands landscape surrounding Medora, with its unique geological formations. The path is an out-and-back route, allowing you to soak in the scenery at your own pace, and it even connects with sections of the well-known Maah Daah Hey Trail.

Planning your visit to the Chimney Park Path is straightforward, as it's located right on the edge of Medora. This means you have easy access to nearby amenities like cafes and restaurants for a post-hike treat. The trail is open year-round, but for the most pleasant conditions, consider heading out in the spring or fall when the weather is ideal for a leisurely 2.0-mile (3.2 km) hike.

This route is particularly notable for its blend of natural beauty and local history. The most striking feature is the tall, native clay brick chimney, a remnant of the Marquis de Mores's meat packing plant that burned down in 1907. With only 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 48 minutes, this easy trail is perfect for families or anyone seeking a quick, rewarding outdoor experience.

The Achenbach Trail offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's badlands. This easy 2.5-mile (4.1 km) hiking route, with its 332 feet (101 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a landscape of dramatic badlands formations, sagebrush flats, and wooded hillsides. You'll be treated to spectacular views of the Little Missouri River, especially from viewpoints like Oxbow Overlook, making it a rewarding experience that takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, remember that this trail is in a national park, so check the park's official website for any entrance fees or specific regulations. While this particular route is easy, the broader Achenbach Trail can be quite challenging with unmaintained sections and river crossings, so always be prepared. The best time of year to hike is often spring for wildflowers or later in the season when river levels are lower, and always carry plenty of water as shade is scarce.

What makes the Achenbach Trail truly special is its immersive backcountry feel, even on shorter sections. It's a prime location for wildlife spotting, with bison, prairie dogs, elk, and mule deer frequently seen. This trail provides a genuine taste of the park's wilderness, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature away from more crowded areas, and showcases the stunning natural features of the North Dakota badlands.

The Achenbach Trail Loop plunges you deep into the wild heart of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, offering a true badlands adventure. This challenging route winds through dramatic geological formations, past cottonwood trees along the river, and across open prairie, with highlights like the Cannonball Concretions and sweeping views of the Little Missouri River from upper sections of the trail. You'll encounter unmaintained sections and two river crossings, making it a rugged and immersive experience.

This difficult 18.7-mile (30.1 km) hike, with 1904 feet (580 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 8 hours and 25 minutes. It's designed for experienced hikers ready for a full day or even an overnight trip. Access points include Juniper Campground or the Cannonball Concretions parking lot; be sure to check with park rangers about river conditions and carry plenty of water, especially in warmer months.

What makes the Achenbach Trail Loop notable is its raw, untamed character, providing a sense of solitude rarely found on more popular trails. You'll be sharing the landscape with abundant wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and elk, adding to the backcountry feel. This is a prime choice if you're seeking a demanding, multi-faceted hike that showcases the unique beauty of North Dakota's badlands.