Hiking The North Country Scenic Trail In North Dakota Is Like Entering A Fairytale
By Tori Jane|Published May 09, 2022
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
North Dakota is a vastly underrated state; as a result, it’s rarely ever crowded here, and our hiking trails are often pretty quiet. A hiking trail spans 4,800 miles across eight states, beginning in Vermont and ending right here in our own backyards at Lake Sakakawea State Park. It’s the famed North Country National Scenic Trail, and 225 miles of it are all ours. Come check out one of the best hikes in North Dakota that happens to be one of the best hikes in seven other states, too!
There are three main parts to the North Dakota segment of the stunning North Country National Scenic Trail.
Let's take a look at these segments and appreciate the splendor that is the North Dakota countryside. This is one of THE best hikes in the state to really get a grip on just how beautiful it is up here.
One of the chapters of the trail is the Central Flyway Chapter.
It's the westernmost end point of the trail and resides within Lake Sakakawea State Park, offering some truly unique perspectives of the park not often seen by most visitors.
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The Sheyenne River Valley Chapter extends from the north end of Lake Ashtabula to the eastern boundary of the Sheyenne State Forest.
This is some of North Dakota's most scenic countryside, with rolling hills, shady groves, and sometimes even wildflowers when the time is right.
Finally, the Dakota Prairie Chapter meanders from Lisbon to the Minnesota/North Dakota state line; this leg of the journey extends through - you guessed it - great miles of North Dakota's stunning prairie lands, helping hikers appreciate the beauty of our state.
The best news, perhaps, is that the trail is open all year and every season seems to bring something beautiful and new to the trail. Keep checking back as the weather changes; you're in for a treat no matter what time of year you come out in!
Though the trail is perfect for a long-haul hike with backpacking and camping included, one can always opt to break the trail into shorter segments to fit their needs.
You can break it into the three chapters, or you can create your own perfectly-planned hike. No matter what, the North Country National Scenic Trail is easily one of the best hikes in North Dakota for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Make sure to bring plenty of water -- and maybe a hammock.
