Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Maah Daah Hey Trail System is a premier 144-mile-long non-motorized trail in the Badlands of North Dakota. This trail offers an unparalleled experience of the scenic and rugged terrain marked by its distinctive buttes, plateaus, and winding rivers. The trail passes through renowned areas such as the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, providing glimpses of bison, elk, and prairie dog towns. The name 'Maah Daah Hey' means 'an area that will be around for a long time' in the Mandan language, reflecting the area's cultural significance to Indigenous peoples. This trail system is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with multiple campgrounds and trailheads providing access points throughout. The stark, open beauty of the badlands creates a sense of remote adventure, attracting visitors who seek solitude and the thrill of exploring one of America's less-traveled landscapes. With markers and frequent signage, the trail is both accessible to newcomers and challenging enough for seasoned adventurers, offering the opportunity to explore North Dakota's unique ecological and geological features.
