The best running trails in Burleigh County

Currently, there are 4 curated running routes available in Burleigh County, all rated as moderate difficulty. These routes offer diverse experiences, from urban loops to scenic paths along the Missouri River.

Burleigh County offers a mix of terrains. You'll find paved asphalt and concrete trails, especially within Bismarck's trail system like the Hay Creek and Pebble Creek Loops, and the Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail. For those seeking a more natural feel, areas like Sleepy Hollow and Harmon Lake offer unpaved trails, with Harmon Lake providing more challenging, longer trail runs with significant elevation changes.

Yes, many parks and trails are suitable for families. Sertoma Park offers a popular loop around the zoo, which is a moderate length and generally flat. The paved sections of the Bismarck Trail System, such as the Hay Creek and Pebble Creek Loops, are also excellent choices for a family run.

While specific regulations vary by park, many outdoor areas in Burleigh County are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check local park rules before heading out. Trails like those in Sertoma Park or the paved city trails are generally welcoming to leashed pets.

Most major parks and trailheads in Burleigh County offer convenient parking. For example, routes starting from Bismarck, such as the Running loop from Bismarck or the North Dakota State Capitol loop from Bismarck, typically have accessible parking nearby. McDowell Dam Recreation Area and Sertoma Park also provide ample parking for visitors.

The Missouri River is a prominent feature in Burleigh County, offering beautiful backdrops for runs. The Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail runs along the east bank of the river on the Bismarck side, providing a 4.6-mile paved path with scenic views. Cross Ranch State Park, though a bit further out, also offers nearly 17 miles of trails along one of the last free-flowing sections of the river.

For runners looking for more of a challenge, Pioneer Park Hillside offers a shorter, approximately 2-mile route with about 300 feet of elevation gain. Harmon Lake provides longer trail options ranging from 9 to 20 miles with 600-1800 feet of elevation, making it suitable for more demanding, unpaved trail runs. The Running loop from Century High School also includes some noticeable elevation changes.

While jogging in Burleigh County, you can encounter several interesting spots. The North Dakota State Capitol loop from Bismarck takes you around the historic Capitol grounds. Sertoma Park features a Japanese Garden and opportunities for birdwatching. The Missouri River itself, with its nature preserves and the Lewis and Clark Trail, offers historical and natural points of interest.

Yes, many of the popular running paths in Burleigh County are designed as loops. Examples include the loop around Sertoma Park, the Hay Creek and Pebble Creek Loops within the Bismarck Trail System, and the curated komoot routes like the Running loop from Bismarck, the Running loop from Century High School, and the North Dakota State Capitol loop from Bismarck.

The running community highly rates the trails in Burleigh County, with an average score of 5.0 stars from komoot users. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, from open prairies to riverfront paths, and the well-maintained trail systems that cater to various fitness levels. The pleasant temperatures in spring and warm summers are also frequently highlighted as ideal for outdoor activities.

Burleigh County is home to several protected areas that provide beautiful settings for running. These include the Missouri River Nature Preserve, Canfield Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Oahe, and Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge. While not all areas may have designated running trails, they offer diverse ecosystems and opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty.