Maah Daah Hey Trail Medora Trailhead
Explore 144 miles of rugged North Dakota badlands, offering challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas for hikers and bikers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Maah Daah Hey Trail Medora Trailhead
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 144 miles of rugged North Dakota badlands, offering challenging terrain and breathtaking vistas for hikers and bikers.
"Amazing trail with so many miles. Beautiful scenery, but be careful on the bottoms of descents. "
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water! There's very little shade and long stretches without water sources.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Good hiking boots are essential for navigating varied terrain and potential mud.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Badlands Vistas
Experience the rugged, expansive beauty of North Dakota's badlands. Miles of trail showcase unique geological formations.
Challenging Climbs
Test your endurance with significant climbs offering rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for local wildlife. The trail is home to various animals, adding to the immersive nature experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Elements
Trail Conditions & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water! There's very little shade and long stretches without water sources.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Good hiking boots are essential for navigating varied terrain and potential mud.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must due to the lack of shade.
⚠️ Watch for Mud
After rain, the trail can become very muddy and difficult for biking.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water! There's very little shade and long stretches without water sources.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Good hiking boots are essential for navigating varied terrain and potential mud.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must due to the lack of shade.
⚠️ Watch for Mud
After rain, the trail can become very muddy and difficult for biking.
🐍 Be Rattlesnake Aware
Rattlesnakes are present, so stay alert and give them space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Maah Daah Hey Trail's stunning and unique badlands scenery, with many appreciating the clear markings and challenging climbs. However, the lack of shade and potential for sticky mud after rain are frequently cited drawbacks, making hydration and proper gear crucial.
"Amazing trail with so many miles. You can see the work the trailbuilders do as you ride. Always gotta be careful on the bottoms of descents as some mud, washout, ruts can sneak up on you. Big climbs. Beautiful scenery."
Aaron Jost
"Trail is clearly marked throughout. Beautiful hike with the views. Be prepared to cross the river."
Sara
"Beautiful views. Trail is easy to find and well signed. No shade so bring water. Dog loved it."
Adam Driscoll
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Medora Trailhead is located just south of Medora, North Dakota. Access is typically via Highway 10 or I-94. Many visitors use Medora as a base for exploring the trail.
Yes, there is parking available at the Medora Trailhead, which serves as a popular starting point for many hikers and bikers.
Absolutely! The Maah Daah Hey Trail is 144 miles long and has multiple access points beyond the Medora Trailhead, allowing for various trip lengths.
Medora, North Dakota, is the closest town to the main trailhead and offers amenities for visitors.
Public transportation options directly to the trailheads are very limited. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is required to access and use the Maah Daah Hey Trail. It is a public recreational trail.
There are no entrance fees for the Maah Daah Hey Trail itself. However, if you are visiting nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park, park entrance fees will apply.
The trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, accessibility and conditions can vary significantly with weather.
While the trail is largely self-guided, there are opportunities for guided horseback tours in the Medora area, often departing from the Medora Riding Stables.
There isn't a dedicated visitor center at the Medora Trailhead itself, but the town of Medora offers visitor information and services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is popular for both hiking and mountain biking. Many enjoy multi-day backpacking trips or day hikes to soak in the scenery.
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is 144 miles long. Experienced hikers can complete it in 7-10 days, while others may take longer.
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed along the trail. There are also designated primitive campgrounds in some areas.
Expect dramatic badlands landscapes, rolling prairies, rugged buttes, and scenic river valleys. It's a truly unique North Dakota experience. +1
While some sections are challenging, shorter day hikes from trailheads like Medora can be suitable for beginners. Be prepared for the terrain and weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with an open vista! The rolling hills, unique rock formations, and expansive skies offer endless photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for capturing the dramatic colors and textures of the badlands.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the Forest Service for current rules regarding drone operation in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The overlooks offering sweeping views of the badlands are particularly photogenic. Keep an eye out for unique rock formations and expansive horizons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the trail's ruggedness and potential hazards like rattlesnakes and muddy sections.
⛰️ Backpackers & Thru-Hikers
Dispersed camping is the norm, so be prepared for primitive conditions.
🚴 Mountain Bikers
While the trail is well-marked, carrying repair kits, extra tubes, and a pump is essential.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Maah Daah Hey Trail
For those planning an extended adventure, dispersed camping is permitted along the trail, offering a true backcountry experience.
Key considerations for planning your trip include checking weather forecasts, understanding the trail's difficulty, and informing someone of your itinerary. The unique geology and expansive vistas make it a photographer's dream, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Horseback Riding and Medora's Western Charm
Medora itself is a town steeped in history and Western culture, famously associated with Theodore Roosevelt.
For those interested in working in this unique environment, seasonal wrangler positions are often available at the Medora Riding Stables, offering a chance to live and work amidst the stunning North Dakota landscape.
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