North Dakota is full of secrets that many out-of-staters just don’t know about. It’s one of the least visited states, and that’s a shame. While there are many places throughout the Midwest to visit, the fact that our beautiful state gets overlooked is a tragedy. Luckily, Midwest Living recently released their Best of the Midwest 2021 list, and would you look at that: the Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota is the very first place on the list! Named the best wellness destination in this region of the country, here’s what makes it worthy of such a placing:
The Maah Daah Hey Trail: an incredible journey that spans nearly 150 miles across the badlands and prairie in North Dakota.
Roderick Eime/Flickr
With scenery like this, it’s no wonder why this is considered the best trail in the Midwest. Whether you take it on foot or by bike, trek the whole trail over days or take a section of it in an afternoon, it’s certainly an experience.
Tim McGrath/Flickr
The trail connects the North Unit and the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, traversing through the Little Missouri National Grassland and all the beautiful sights within it.
Tim McGrath/Flickr
With towering, striped buttes, rolling grassy hills, and plenty of flora and fauna to encounter, it’s like something from a storybook.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Speaking of flora and fauna, you’re likely to come across some on your trek. Bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, elk, prairie dogs, and more are commonly seen on this trail system.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Whether it’s some friendly-looking cattle or a hissing snake, be sure to keep your distance - especially from the bison! They’re cool to see in person from a safe distance only.
Tim McGrath/Flickr
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is an absolute must for hikers and mountain bikers. The best time of the year to take it on is April through October, so make a point to schedule a weekend to explore it sometime!
Ken Lund/Flickr
There is an entire website for the Maah Daah Hey Trail that includes maps, a trail guide, trail conditions, and more. Exploring even a small portion of this trail should be on everyone’s North Dakota bucket list.
Roderick Eime/Flickr
Tim McGrath/Flickr
Ken Lund/Flickr
Speaking of trails, here are more of the very best trails in the state you should make a point to check out if you enjoy hiking.
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Address: Maah Daah Hey Trail, South Billings, ND 58645, USA
