Posted in North Dakota Nature February 20, 2022 by

8 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In North Dakota Should Take

Does this amazing state and all it has to offer have you itching to get back outdoors? If you love hiking but don’t have the time for a long trek, these hikes are perfect for you. Take an afternoon and head out into the beautiful North Dakota countryside at some of our state parks to experience these eight hikes that are all under five miles long.

1. Shoreline Trail - 3.03 miles
Lake Sakakawea State Park, Pick City, ND, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This trail in the Lake Sakakawea State Park follows along the shore of Lake Sakakawea with the beautiful bluffs in the distance and plenty to see on the trail itself. The area is known for being a great place for prairie falcon spotting, and don't be surprised if you see a lot of other birds and wildlife, too. Check it out and get a map and instructions on Hiking Project.
2. Painted Canyon Nature Trail - 1 mile
Painted Canyon Nature Trail, Belfield, ND 58622, USA
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Dive down into these gorgeous painted canyons within the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. They're amazing from above, but walking within them is something you won't be able to experience anywhere else. It's the best way to truly get a taste of the badlands of North Dakota.
3. Old Oak Trail - 3 miles
Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This trail was the first National Recreational Trail founded in North Dakota and is located in the breathtaking Lake Metigoshe State Park. The trees that surround you have been there for centuries and it's a great trail to feel at one with nature, and also learn about some of the history of the state.
4. Rolling Prairie Loop Trail - 1 mile
Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
North Dakota's scenic prairies make the perfect landscape for trails, and this trail in Beaver Lake State Park is the best way to experience it. The swaying grasses and wildflowers along the path are right near the lake. This trail is one of the most serene and relaxing trails you can take; we highly recommend it. Learn more about Beaver Lake State Park on the official website.
5. Prairie Dog Town Trail - 1.5 miles
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
the.waterbird/Flickr
The North Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park has a trail that will lead you right to one of the prairie dog 'towns' that can be found all over. Many other animals stop by, too, so if you like seeing or taking pictures of animals, then this is the perfect spot.
6. Little Soldier Loop Trail - 1.75 miles
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
Get the best view of the On-A-Slant village in Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park with this interpretive trail. The trail goes through a loop in the park that goes right by the village and gives a perfect vantage point. The Missouri and Heart Rivers can be seen in the distance to create a breathtaking scene you won't regret hiking up to see.
7. Matah River Trail - 3 miles
Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
Learn about the fauna and flora of the region along the Missouri River in Cross Ranch State Park on this trail. Signs along the trail will tell you all about the area, and you'll experience it as you go. It is a great trail for a hike during any time in the day, and it's totally worth it.
8. Little Twig Nature Trail - 1 mile
Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
Through forests, across meadows, and over creeks, this Fort Ransom State Park trail is all you could ever need in a casual hike. Immerse yourself in nature on a sunny day and take your time with this one. You'll feel entirely refreshed by the end, and it's only one mile long.

Do you have any hiking plans for any time soon? Tell us all your plans in the comments.

Address: Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
Address: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
Address: Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Address: Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
Address: Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
Address: Lake Sakakawea State Park, Pick City, ND, USA
Address: Painted Canyon Nature Trail, Belfield, ND 58622, USA
Address: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in North Dakota

February 25, 2022
Tori Jane

What are some awe-inspiring but easy hikes in North Dakota?  

There are hundreds of hiking trails winding through the state of North Dakota. They’re all wonderful and truly awesome, but some do tend to be easier than others, and what’s better than a good old easy-but-scenic adventure? Some of our favorite easy hikes in North Dakota (with amazing views) include the awesome Lake Sakakawea Shoreline Trail, which is inside Lake Sakakawea State Park. It features 4.4 awesome miles of beautiful shoreline views – it’s a must do for locals and visitors alike. If you prefer to stay a little more urban, head to Dunseith and hike through the International Peace Garden. It’s about as long as the Lake Sakakawea Shoreline Trail, at 4.3 miles long, and it features amazing lake views of its own as well as epic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Finally, we recommend the Mcdowel Dam Loop, predictably within the Mcdowel Dam Recreation Area, which is 2.7 miles and ALSO includes lake views. Need some more ideas for low-key, easy hikes in North Dakota? Check this list out.  

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around North Dakota?  

North Dakota is home to plenty of hikes that are short and sweet – easy enough for small children to do. We feel like those are some of the best hikes because they require little effort but often have maximum payoffs. Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around North Dakota include the legendary Ice Cave Loop, which is near Fairfield and is 2.1 miles long. That hike varies day to day in hours, so you’ll want to contact the property the trail is on before planning your trip to make sure it’s open to the public. As for less-exclusive – but still great – kid-friendly hikes, check out the Downtown Fargo River Walk, at Riverside Park in Fargo. It’s just over two miles long, and it’s paved, so it’s great for strollers and little bikes with training wheels. We also suggest looking at East Sibley Nature Park, in Bismark, and Fort Ransom State Park has plenty of kid-friendly trails throughout.  

Address: Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
Address: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, 4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
Address: Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Address: Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
Address: Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
Address: Lake Sakakawea State Park, Pick City, ND, USA
Address: Painted Canyon Nature Trail, Belfield, ND 58622, USA
Address: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA