6 Low-Key Hikes In North Dakota With Amazing Payoffs
We’ve got some spectacular overlooks in North Dakota that won’t require climbing mountains to reach. These hikes are short and easy with just the right amount of adventure. The great payoffs at the end of the trail make any effort worth it! From the river valleys to the Badlands, you’ll definitely want to set out on the best hikes in North Dakota as soon as you can.
This trail is in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National park near Medora. This is one of the best parks in North Dakota and this particular trail is one of the most delightful. It's only just under half a mile in total length, but you'll get to see one of the most majestic views of the Little Missouri River. This is a great trail to hit about half an hour before sunset.
2. Prairie Nature Trail at Lewis and Clark State Park: 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843
Lewis and Clark State Park, 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843, USA
Do you know what the very best way to experience the Lewis and Clark State Park in North Dakota is? The Prairie Nature Trail is a great half-mile hike that will take you all through this gorgeous park on the edges of Lake Sakakawea. You'll head through native grasses and get excellent views of this lovely lake.
3. Fishing Dock Trail at Icelandic State Park: 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220
Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Take a short stroll through the trees to a stunning view of Lake Renwick on this trail in the Icelandic State Park. This park near Cavalier looks like something out of a fairy tale. Bring a rod or two, cast a line, and relax at the end of this trail — you'll be so glad you did!
4. Beaver Loop Trail at Lake Metigoshe State Park: Roland, ND 58318
Explore the gorgeous, heavily-wooded areas that fill up Lake Metigoshe State Park on the Beaver Loop. This serene trail will take you over two bridges and alongside multiple ponds and lakes. You get a lot of bang for your buck for just two miles of hiking!
5. Sully's Hill Trail at Sullys Hill National Game Preserve: St Michael, ND 58370
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve Visitor Center, St Michael, ND 58370, USA
It doesn't take much to reach the best view of Devils Lake in North Dakota. In the Sully's Hill National Game Preserve, all you need to do is take a short hike up the hill itself. There is a trail with stairs, but that's the most difficult part of discovering this fantastic sight. Photos simply don't do it justice, you have to see it in person to truly appreciate it!
6. Lake View Loop Trail in Beaver Lake State Park: 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495
Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
The Lake View Loop is only 0.36-miles long. It'll bring you to a gorgeous vista of Beaver Lake, which has some of the clearest water in North Dakota. The state park is located near Napoleon. The trail meanders through the rolling prairie hills, and you'll see plenty of North Dakota beauty here. This is one of the best hikes in North Dakota.
Which trail in North Dakota has your favorite view? There are plenty more where these came from all over the state in parks, recreation areas, and more. Here are some more of our favorite hikes in North Dakota!
Address: Sullys Hill National Game Preserve Visitor Center, St Michael, ND 58370, USA
Address: Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Address: Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
Address: Lewis and Clark State Park, 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843, USA
Address: Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Address: Wind Canyon Trail, Medora, ND 58645, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In North Dakota
April 05, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best hikes in North Dakota that belong on everyone’s bucket list?
In a state that’s as gorgeous as ours, there are so many hiking trails worth exploring! It’s tough to narrow down a list of the best hikes in North Dakota. One of our very favorite hikes is the Wind Canyon Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s a fairly short trail and a great spot to catch the sun setting over the Little Missouri River.
What are some great kid-friendly trails in North Dakota?
We have plenty of short hikes in North Dakota that are under one mile and are suitable for the whole family. The Little Twig Trail in Fort Ransom State Park is only about half a mile and is especially gorgeous in the spring when all of the wildflowers are in bloom.
Are there any waterfall hikes in North Dakota?
We’re not particularly known for our waterfalls here, but we do have one fantastic waterfall hike in North Dakota that will take you to a man-made cascade after a 0.65-mile trek. It’s a stunning little fall on the Fisher Loop Trail in Turtle River State Park.
Address: Sullys Hill National Game Preserve Visitor Center, St Michael, ND 58370, USA
Address: Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Address: Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
Address: Lewis and Clark State Park, 4904 119th Rd NW, Epping, ND 58843, USA
Address: Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Address: Wind Canyon Trail, Medora, ND 58645, USA
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Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.
