6 Easy And Beautiful Spring Hikes Everyone In North Dakota Will Love
As winter ends, we tend to yearn for those nice spring days in North Dakota when we can get outside without fifty layers and the threat of snow. Once the snowflakes finally do turn to raindrops and the prairies come to life again, you can look forward to exploring the state in the springtime. What better way to experience this beautiful season than on some easy, pleasant North Dakota hikes that’ll take you right through the budding plants and nature? Here are some of the best hikes in North Dakota for springtime shenanigans:
1. Beaver Lake Trail
Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
The Beaver Lake Trail is located in the scenic Beaver Lake State Park near Napoleon, North Dakota. The trail is only 0.32 miles long in a convenient loop. It will take you through the prairie, along the lake shore, and into the woodland all in one spring-filled walk. While you're here, be sure to appreciate one of the best state parks in North Dakota!
Located in the Turtle River State Park, this trail will bring you through a budding green forest in the spring. The park is near Grand Forks, North Dakota and provides a great place to enjoy a wooded river valley in the springtime. Get all the details about this nature trail in North Dakota on the official Forest Service website.
3. Icelandic State Park Trails
Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Just outside of Cavalier, North Dakota is the Icelandic State Park and all the beauty that comes with it. The park has a lot of campgrounds plus some gorgeous easy, short trails to explore. These are especially stunning in the springtime and early summer. This is one state park in North Dakota you won't be able to get enough of.
4. Little Twig Nature Trail
Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
This picturesque trail in Fort Ransom State Park is just under a mile long and will take you through flower-filled meadows and the quiet forests of the Sheyenne River Valley. This park is located next to a town of the same name: Fort Ransom, North Dakota. This delightful easy hike in North Dakota will bring a little color back into your life!
Take a stroll along the shores of Lake Sakakawea on this three-mile trail at the Lewis and Clark State Park. You can expect to see not only the plants coming back to life, but animal activity as well. Hawks especially hang around this route. This park is located near Williston, North Dakota. Fans of lake trails in North Dakota will adore this one.
6. Overlook Trail
Lake Sakakawea State Park, Pick City, ND 58545, USA
The Overlook Trail in Lake Sakakawea State Park is another great spot to experience the lake over a hundred miles away from the previous park. Yes, Lake Sakakawea really is that big! This one is near Pick City, North Dakota. The trail is less than a half-mile long and will give you an amazing view of the prairie and lake. Get all the details about this truly epic state park in North Dakota on the parks and rec website.
For all trail guides, exact locations, and more information, visit the official parks and rec website. Which trails in North Dakota would you say are THE best hikes in North Dakota? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Even if there is still snow on the ground, you can enjoy hiking in North Dakota! Some even take part in snowshoeing and cross country skiing on these fantastic trails.
Address: Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Address: Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Address: Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
Address: Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, USA
Address: Lake Sakakawea State Park, Pick City, ND 58545, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in North Dakota
April 06, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some great easy hikes in North Dakota?
There are more than 170 awesome hiking trails in North Dakota, each more enchanting than the last. Some of our favorites are long, some are short, but they’re ALL amazing (that’s just North Dakota for you). For example, the short-and-sweet Wind Canyon Trail at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great scenic hike and it’s easy enough for kids to do, too. While you’re there, also do the Painted Canyon Nature Trail (one mile long), Boicourt Overlook Trail (0.8 miles long), and Coal Vein Trail (0.6 miles long). Other wonderful easy hiking trails in North Dakota are the White Butte North Dakota Highpoint Trail, in Bowman (3.4 miles long), the Bison Plant Trail at the Minot Park District (2.3 miles long). We also like the Fort Lincoln Loop Trail at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (3.6 miles long), the Red River Trail at Lindenwood Park (4.9 miles), and the Mineral Springs Trail at Fort Ransom (4.3 miles long).
What are some of the best parks in North Dakota?
Did you know that there are 13 excellent state parks in North Dakota (as well as three National Parks sites)? It’s true – and we’re kind of biased, but we think every state park in North Dakota is one of the best parks in North Dakota! Of course, there are some that do see more visitors than others each year thanks to their overall popularity, like the wonderful Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s enormous and there’s so much to do and see there that we recommend taking at LEAST a whole weekend to do it. There’s even a lesser-known petrified forest within the park, so be sure to check that out! Lake Metigoshe State Park is one of North Dakota’s best state parks for many reasons as well, but that pristine lake is probably reason #1. Other greats include Icelandic State Park, Grahams Island State Park, and Little Missouri State Park.
Address: Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
Address: Icelandic State Park, 13571 ND-5, Cavalier, ND 58220, USA
Address: Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
Address: Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, USA
Address: Lake Sakakawea State Park, Pick City, ND 58545, 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.
