7 Glorious Waterfront Trails In North Dakota To Take On A Summer Day

These trails in North Dakota take you on journeys right at the edge of some of the state's most beautiful lakes and rivers. The reflective, calming waters are full of sights and creatures to see, and taking a stroll through these trails will give you the perfect opportunity to do so. Give them a try!

1. Old Settlers Trail - Beaver Lake State Park - Napoleon

This trail is an easy half mile walk along Beaver Lake in a prime spot for some beautiful views. It easily connects to other trails in the park to explore the entire place.

2. Ma-ak-oti Trail - Cross Ranch State Park - Hensler

The Ma-ak-oti trail has both an upper and lower loop. The upper loop is 2.5 miles long, the lower is 1.7. Each will take you along the Missouri River, right up close.

3. Hemerick Point Trail - Lake Metigoshe State Park - Bottineau

Through the marshes around Lake Metigoshe lies multiple trails to explore these natural, breathtaking areas. This trail will bring you through some of these marshes that are teeming with life you can spot along the way.

4. Shoreline Trail - Lake Sakakawea State Park - Riverdale

Enjoy the sights of Lake Sakakawea right along the shore on this 0.7 mile long trail. You can see the bluffs along the edges of the lake and feel the cool, crisp breeze coming off the lake.

5. Dogwood Loop - Missouri River Natural Area - Mandan

This trail is a great way to see the Missouri River around the Bismarck-Mandan area. It's just under two miles long and follows right along the water's edge.

6. Maah Daah Hey Trail - Sully Creek State Park - Medora

Travel along the Little Missouri River that winds through the badlands of North Dakota on this section of the 90 mile long Maah Daah Hey Trail going through Sully Creek. This part of it goes all around and over the river with plenty of great photo ops along the way.

7. Flicker Loop - Fort Stevenson State Park - Garrison

Part of the Flicker Loop in this park traverses the shores along Lake Sakakawea in a pleasant half mile hike. It connects to other longer trails that go through beautiful areas of the park and great views of the lake.

If you're interested in taking some different types of hikes in North Dakota that traverse a variety types of terrains, check out these other awesome trails.