Here Are 5 Of The Most Refreshing Waterfront Trails You Can Take In North Dakota
North Dakota is big and beautiful and there is so much hiking to do! This state is full of fantastic trails that will take you to beautiful, wide-open locations. If you’re someone who likes to hike near water, then this is the list for you. These five trails are all very different from one another, but they all have one thing in common – you’ll see water along the way, and in turn, you’ll probably see wildlife too. Enjoy!
1. River Villages Trail; Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Knife River Indian Villages of one of just a few National Parks Service sites in North Dakota. This is a very interesting place to visit as it was the home of Sacagawea before she joined Lewis & Clark on their journey west.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, 564 County Rd 37, Stanton, ND 58571, USA
This is a lovely trail for history buffs. You'll pass a field where Sacagawea's village once stood. The homes are gone, but there is a replica you can check out.
This trail is a 1.6-mile loop trail. It's flat, graveled, and dog-friendly. Before turning around, you can walk along the serene Knife River for a bit.
2. Lower Paddock Creek Trail; Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit
The Fort Ransom State Park Loop is a 9.1-mile loop trail. It's rated moderate and if you do the whole thing, you'll experience 734 feet of elevation gain.
This trail is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail and it's easy to see why. It's generally quiet and not busy, but this is a multi-use trail so look out for bikes and horses.
The Shoreline Trail is a 4.4-mile out-and-back trail on the eastern side of the peninsula. It's easy, not busy, and there's only 127 feet of elevation gain along the way.
