"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm." Theodore Roosevelt
The park contains 100+ miles of trails. Some are self-guided nature walks (under 1 mile) and others are longer, more strenuous hikes. Trails are indicated on the park map, the South Unit Trail Guide, and the North Unit Trail Guide. Take a hike and experience the same wild beauty and solitude of the badlands that captivated Theodore Roosevelt more than a century ago.
Maah Daah Hey Trail
The 96-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail passes through both the South Unit and the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (see Maah Daah Hey Trail Map). Bicycles are not permitted on the sections of the Maah Daah Hey Trail within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Bikers may use the Buffalo Gap Trail as an alternate route around the South Unit of the park and must connect with existing roads to bypass the North Unit of the park. Backcountry campers must obtain a free backcountry permit and follow park regulations for backcountry camping, listed below. For additional information on the Maah Daah Hey Trail, visit the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association website.
South Unit Hiking Trails
Ridgeline Nature Trail - 0.6 mile loop - This self-guided loop trail provides information about the badlands scenery and the roles of fire, wind, and water in the area. The trail guide is available at the trailhead.
Coal Vein Trail - 0.8 mile loop - From 1951 to 1977 an underground fire burned here in a coal seam. The intense heat baked the adjacent clay and sand, greatly altering the appearance of the terrain. The trail guide is available at the trailhead.
Buck Hill - A short walk leads to the top of this high point, an elevation of 2,855 feet above sea level. As you scan the landscape, notice that only shrubs and small plants grow on the warmer and drier south-facing slopes and trees dominate the cooler, wetter north-facing slopes.
Wind Canyon - .25 mile loop - A short trail up the ridge leads to an overlook of a graceful bend in the Little Missouri River and the wind-sculpted sandstone of the canyon.
Painted Canyon Nature Trail - 0.9 mile loop - The trail begins and ends near the picnic shelters at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. The trail drops down the canyon wall to the bottom of the canyon before looping back to the starting point.
Jones Creek Trail - 3.7 miles one way - This trail leads through the heart of the badlands and is accessible from the Scenic Loop Drive at two points. The trail crosses the creek twice, but the creek is often dry. The trail is relatively flat with a series buttes on either side.
Lower Paddock Creek Trail - 4.4 miles one way - This trail is accessible from two points on the Scenic Loop Drive. The trail crosses the creek several times. The creek is usually dry but may be seasonally wet. The trail also passes through prairie dog towns.
Upper Paddock Creek Trail - 7.7 miles one way - This moderately difficult trail follows Paddock Creek east of the Scenic Loop Drive, intersects the Painted Canyon Trail (which leads to the Painted Canyon Visitor Center), and continues to the southeast corner of the park where it connects with the Upper Talkington Trail.
Painted Canyon Trail - 2.0 miles one way - The trail starts at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center and ends at the Upper Paddock Creek Trail. To access the trail, go to the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, walk east to the end of the parking lot and continue on the service road. You will find trail markers on the left that head toward the canyon. The Painted Canyon Trail is a very steep trail that heads down the canyon wall.
Upper Talkington Trail - 4.0 miles one way - This moderate trail follows a flat area on the park's east boundary to the Scenic Loop Drive. The trail crosses a creek twice within the first 1.5 miles. The trail also leads through the edge of a large prairie dog town just below the east rim of the badlands. Atop the rim, the trail intersects the Upper Paddock Creek Trail.
There are over 20 miles of hiking trails west of the Little Missouri River in the Petrified Forest Wilderness Area. One trailhead is at the Peaceful Valley Ranch, which requires crossing the river to reach the wilderness area. Check with rangers at the visitor center for directions to other access points for the Petrified Forest and the wilderness area.
North Unit Hiking Trails
Little Mo Nature Trail - 1.1 mile loop, 0.7 miles wheelchair accessible - This self-guided nature trail begins at the Juniper Campground and winds through river woodlands and badlands. Trail guides are available at the trailhead.
Achenbach Trail - 16 mile loop - Climbing from the river bottomland at the Juniper Campground through the Achenbach Hills, then descending to the river again before climbing near the Oxbow Overlook and returning on the north side of the river to the Juniper Campground, the Achenbach trail traverses the spectacular scenery of the North Unit's wilderness area. The trail requires crossing the river; consult with rangers at the visitor center before attempting to cross the river.
Caprock Coulee Nature Trail - 1.6 miles round-trip, 5.7 miles when connected with Upper Caprock Coulee Trail to form a loop.
Buckhorn Trail - 11 mile loop - Starting at the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail.
Sperati Point - 1.5 miles round-trip - From the Oxbow Overlook, follow the Achenbach Trail south to this landmark.
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