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NatureHiking

6 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In North Dakota

Discover easy and scenic hiking trails in North Dakota's state parks and nature preserves.

Updated Feb 25, 2022

Written by 

Leah Peretz

North Dakota has some stunning natural areas tucked away across the state. Most of them have a trail system winding through that will allow you to experience everything the surroundings have to offer. There are some easy, short trails that almost anyone can do as a way to truly see the beauty of these areas and enjoy North Dakota's diverse natural settings. There's a lot to explore - here are great casual trails to enjoy.

1. Wildwood Trail - Gunlogson Nature Preserve

A winding path through a serene, autumnal landscape with bare trees and scattered colorful leaves.
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr

The Gunlogson Nature Preserve in the Icelandic State Park offers a look into a dense forest with a wide variety of plants that are unseen in other parts of the state. It is a unique and beautiful place to explore, and the Wildwood Trail is perfect at under a mile long.

2. Turtle Mountain State Forest Trails

A cyclist rides a yellow bike across a wooden bridge over a calm stream surrounded by tall grass and trees.
Wes/Flickr

The Turtle Mountains of North Dakota are a scenic and lovely place to take a stroll through. There is a variety of short and easy trails to take just to enjoy the natural scenery surrounding you. Learn more about this little slice of North Dakota paradise here!

3. Twisted Oak Trail - Cross Ranch State Park

A serene path through trees with autumn foliage, leading to a small bridge over a gentle stream.
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr

This short trail in Cross Ranch State Park will take you through a lovely wooded area with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Cross Ranch also has beautiful open prairies that you might easily spot bison on. There's plenty to see here!

4. Eagle Loop - Lake Metigoshe State Park

A serene lake surrounded by trees with autumn foliage under a partly cloudy sky. Reflections shimmer on the water's surface.
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr

Eagle Loop trail will take you on a delightful stroll right next to Lake Metigoshe, offering gorgeous views of the trees reflecting onto the water. It's an easy trail for anyone to take.

5. Woodland Trail - Beaver Lake State Park

A serene riverside scene with lush green trees and a clear blue sky, featuring a grassy area near the water.
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr

The stunning views of Beaver Lake among the trees on the Woodland Trail are picture perfect on a sunny day. After you've experienced the trail, you can take a walk along the lake and just enjoy the scenery.

6. Flicker Loop - Fort Stevenson State Park

A landscape featuring trees with autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow, set against a cloudy sky.
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr

Along Lake Sakakawea at Fort Stevenson State Park is a multitude of trails and hiking opportunities. Flicker Loop is a short trail that takes you through the gorgeous surroundings around the lake. The park is worth exploring, too!

If you're looking for more of a hiking challenge in North Dakota, this is where you want to go: the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

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