There are easy ways to see the undeniably beautiful natural landscapes of North Dakota. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to experience them for yourself. The state parks here offer some of the best trails under three miles long that will give you an amazing experience; here are some of our best hikes in North Dakota, all under three miles in length:

1. Old Oak Trail - Lake Metigoshe State Park
Lake Metigoshe State Park, Roland, ND 58318, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
North Dakota's first-ever National Recreation Trail is the Old Oak Trail in Lake Metigoshe State Park. This easy trail in North Dakota is just under three miles long. It will take you through the breathtaking sights of Lake Metigoshe, through the trees and along the lake itself. It is positively gorgeous in every season!
2. Beaver Lake Nature Trail - Beaver Lake State Park
Beaver Lake State Park, 3850 70th St SE, Wishek, ND 58495, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This quick and easy .32 mile loop trail begins at the lake's swimming area. It takes you through the woodlands and rolling prairies surrounding the water. This is especially beautiful in the springtime when the flowers are blooming. It's an all-around great hike in a wonderful park!
3. Ridgeline Trail - Fort Ransom State Park
Fort Ransom State Park, 5981 Walt Hjelle Pkwy, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
See the natural, stunning sights of the Sheyenne River Valley from a vantage point overlooking it on this trail. It is just over 3/4 of a mile long. It offers impressive views that could easily make anyone fall in love with North Dakota.
4. Timber Loop - Turtle River State Park
Turtle River State Park, 3084 Park Ave NE, Arvilla, ND 58214, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This loop trail meanders through the spectacular forests surrounding the Turtle River and will take you right up by the river itself. It is approximately 1 and 1/4 miles long and is great for any level of experience. Learn more about this gem of a park in this delightful article!
5. Prairie Nature Trail - Lewis and Clark State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park, 4583 Jackson Hwy, Toledo, WA 98591, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
See North Dakota's Lake Sakakawea from this fantastic trail. It's under half a mile long and offers the perfect place for a stroll. It will take you through a historic trail in the prairie grasses and ravines near the water.
6. Wildwood Trail - Gunlogson Nature Preserve
Gunlogson State Nature Preserve, Cavalier Air Force Station, ND 58220, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
This lovely trail meanders through the dense trees surrounding Lake Renwick. The preserve is part of the Icelandic State Park. At just 3/4 of a mile, it's an enjoyable way to see the natural beauty this place holds.
7. Levis Trail - Cross Ranch State Park
Cross Ranch State Park, 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, USA
ND Parks and Recreation Department/Flickr
Levis Trail in the Cross Ranch State Park is a 2.2 mile trail that follows a path right along untouched banks of the Missouri River. The serenity of this place is a great way to relax and just enjoy the scenery. Camping here is another way.

If you are an avid hiker looking for something a little more challenging, then follow this link to the perfect trail in North Dakota for you. People from all over the world travel here to take it on themselves! Care to join them? Tell us your hiking goals in the comments!

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Best Hikes In North Dakota

Tori Jane | February 25, 2022

What are some challenging scenic hikes in North Dakota?  

Easy hikes are lots of fun, but sometimes we love a good challenge, too. Luckily for us, North Dakota has its fair share of challenging – even hard – hikes, and they just happen to be some of the best ones, too. If you have lots (and lots) of time on your hands and you’re experienced with long-distance hikes, you can try to conquer the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which is within Theodore Roosevelt National Park and extends as a single track through the amazingness that is the Badlands of North Dakota. Head up to the Achenbach/Buckhorn Trail Loop, too, and begin at the Juniper Campground and work your way clockwise for an 18.2-mile day trip you’ll love. Finally, for a slightly shorter hike, check out Little Missouri Loop. It’s just under seven miles long, and it’s incredibly scenic. Don’t let the shorter distance fool you, though – it’s a tough one! Need some more ideas? Check out this list of some awesome trails that lead to incredible places.  

What are some good, easy hikes in North Dakota?  

Okay, so what if we’re not fans of long, hard hikes? That’s fine – there are plenty of short (and semi-short) easy hikes all over the state, too, many of which are also within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, like Prairie Dog Trail. That one is just under two miles of awesome scenery and some of TRNP’s most coveted views. Head out to Fort Ransom State Park and do the legendary Mineral Springs Trail, which is 4.3 miles long but still pretty easy. You won’t even notice the distance you travel because you’ll be so caught up in the beauty of the hike! If in Fargo, the Orchard Glen hike/walk is great, especially if you’re a fan of urban hikes. Finally, head to Fairfield and check out the famous Ice Cave loop, which is just over two miles of epic North Dakota beauty.  

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