The Maah Daah Hey Trail System offers an adventurous escape through North Dakota's rugged badlands, featuring some of the state's most stunning landscapes and vast outdoor recreational opportunities.
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.
The Long X Bridge section, offering sweeping panoramic views of the badlands.
Opportunities to spot bison herds within the boundaries of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
The iconic China Wall, a striking geological feature along the trail.
Beautiful night skies for stargazing due to low light pollution.
A natural rock formation resembling a small wall offering unique photo opportunities.
The location of Theodore Roosevelt's historic ranch, offering a glimpse into his conservation legacy.
Wild herds often seen grazing within Theodore Roosevelt National Park boundaries.