Hiking
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer a range of hiking and backpacking opportunities, from shorter day hikes on established trails throughout the grasslands to multi-day backpacking adventures along the Maah Daah Hey Trail or the North Country Scenic Trail.
Visitors can enjoy the open prairies for stargazing and bird watching or explore the amazing trails that weave through unique, breathtaking landscapes.
A few highlighted recreation areas of interest are listed on the Epic Adventures page.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Bennett Campground
Site Open
Bennett Campground offers a peaceful, first-come, first-served camping experience within the Little Missouri National Grassland. The campground features 13 campsites suitable for tents or RVs, each…
Bennett Creek Trail
Bennett Trail is a 3-mile trail from Maah Daah Hey Trail (MDHT) mile-marker 127.5 (just South of the China Wall) to Bennett Campground. Combining sections of Bennett Creek Trail, MDHT, and the…
Birnt Hill Loop
The Birnt Hill Loop is a 3.1-mile trail that takes users from the top of the hill down to the edge of the Missouri River. The trail is considered moderately challenging and offers stunning views of…
Blacktail Trail
This 7-mile loop trail begins and ends at the Blacktail Trailhead at the Blacktail Picnic Area. The marked, graveled path winds through prairie and badlands, with interpretive panels along the route.
Buffalo Gap Campground
Site Open
Buffalo Gap Campground offers a rustic camping experience with easy access to the Buffalo Gap Trail. The campground features 35 paved campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. A group pavilion…
Buffalo Gap Trail
The Buffalo Gap Trail links to the Buffalo Gap Campground by way of a short, 1.3-mile spur. This spur provides hikers and bikers with easy access to the campground from the main Buffalo Gap Trail,…
Buffalo Gap Viewpoint Trail
Buffalo Gap Viewpoint Trail (0.6 miles round trip) is a short but steep 600‑foot climb begins right off the campground road and quickly leads hikers up through native prairie grasses to a scenic…
Burning Coal Vein Campground
Site Open
Burning Coal Vein Campground is a remote campground in the Little Missouri National Grassland near Medora, North Dakota, and is the southernmost campground and trailhead along the Maah Daah Hey. It…
CCC Campground
Site Open
The CCC Campground in the Badlands offers a rustic camping experience. There are 38 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The campground serves as a trailhead for both…