Why go
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is considered one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking and mountain bike trails in the USA. It connects the North Unit and the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park at about 230 kilometres and leads through some of North Dakota's most spectacular landscapes.
The name comes from the Mandan language and means "an area that has long existed" or "Land of ancestors" – a fitting name for a route that runs through ancient Badlands, open prairies, deep gorges and juniper hills.
Even if only a few visitors complete the entire trail, it is worth a short stage. For campers, the route offers an excellent opportunity to experience the Badlands from a completely different perspective.
At a glance
Category | Information
Length | approx. 230 km
Ideal stay | 2 hours to several days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Hiking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mountain bike | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Badlands panoramas
The trail leads through some of North Dakota's most impressive landscapes.
On the way you'll be waiting:
colorful rock formations
deep canyons
Open prairie
Juniper hill
spectacular vantage points
Many sections convey the feeling of absolute wilderness.
Photo Tip
The Badlands shine during the Golden Hour in intense red, orange and gold tones. This time of day is ideal for landscape photography.
Bennett Trail Junction
One of the most popular entry points for day hikes.
From here you will reach several impressive viewpoints after a short time.
Devil's passport
A particularly scenic section with steep hills, narrow ridges and wide views over the Badlands.
Ice Caves (seasonal)
In some shady crevices, snow remains partially until well into spring.
An unusual natural phenomenon in the Great Plains.
Daily migration
Even without completing the entire trail, you can explore individual sections.
Popular hiking tours last between:
2 hours
4 hours
a whole day
Depending on the starting point.
Mountain biking
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is one of the most famous mountain bike trails in North America.
The route offers:
Technical passages
fast single trails
long increases
spectacular descents
Insider tip
In spring and autumn the most pleasant temperatures prevail. In high summer heat and sunlight can become very stressful.
Horse riding
Many sections may also be used with horses.
This keeps the trail true to its historical character as a route through the Badlands.
Animal monitoring
The remote landscape offers excellent opportunities for observing the wildlife.
Best animal observation
With a little luck you meet:
Bisons
Wild horses
Bighorn sheep
Coyotes
Golden eagles
Prairie dogs
Shopping
There are no shopping facilities along the trail.
The best places to fill up the supplies are:
Medora
Watford City
Here you will also find outdoor and camping shops.
Food & drink
There is no restaurant directly on the trail.
Recommended are:
Theodores Dining Room (Medora)
Ideal after a hike.
Known for:
Bison steaks
Prime Rib
Regional specialities
Stonehome Brewing Company (Watford City)
Perfect after a mountain bike tour.
Cottonwood Campground
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Nature camping in the middle of the Badlands.
Juniper Campground
Ideal for hiking tours in the North Unit.
Very quiet.
Medora Campground
The most comfortable base for day hikes.
With full hook-up and spacious pitches.
RV tip
Since the trail runs in many places, it is recommended to leave the camper or the Fifth Wheel on a campground and drive with the pickup truck to the various trailheads.
Insider tip
You don't have to complete the entire trail. Already short hiking tours of a few kilometers convey an excellent impression of the spectacular Badlands and often offer the same views as multi-day tours.
Photo Tip
A wide-angle lens is ideal for open landscapes. For animal photos, a telephoto lens is recommended.
Avoid frequent errors
Take much more water than you normally need. Along the trail there are hardly any natural sources of water.
The shade is very limited – sun protection, hat and sunscreen are indispensable.
After heavy rains, inform yourself about the state of the roads. Leamy sections can become extremely slippery.
Mobile reception is restricted or not available in large parts of the trail.
Our recommendation
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is one of the most impressive outdoor experiences in the Great Plains and shows the Badlands from their original side. Even if you don't plan a multi-day hike or mountain bike tour, it's worth a short detour to the trail.