Buffalo Gap Trail

Current Conditions

Open

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, which itself is an 18.9-mile single-track mountain bike route. This spur trail serves as a convenient connection for campers looking to explore nearby trails and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

The Buffalo Gap Trail intersects the Maah Daah Hey Trail north of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, between mile markers 61 and 62.

Starting at Maah Daah Hey Trail (MDHT) mile marker 49.5, the Buffalo Gap Trail extends 19 miles, bypassing the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park entirely before rejoining the MDHT at mile marker 61. This alternative route was designed for users who cannot or prefer not to enter the park—such as cyclists, who are not permitted to ride the MDHT through the park boundaries.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

7010

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Maps are available on the Visitor Maps and Guides page.

Year-round, 24/7.

A water hand pump is available at the Buffalo Gap Campground.

All trails are intended for non-motorized travel only. Therefore, all motorized vehicles, including E-bikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles, are prohibited.

Contact Name: Medora Ranger District

Contact Phone: (701) 227-7800

Address: 99 23rd Ave. W., Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 227-7800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Mountain Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: Medora.RD@usda.gov

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

Key Access Points & Trailheads:

Buffalo Gap Campground: Located near the Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch, offering direct access to the trail and a 1.3-mile spur trail.
Maah Daah Hey Trail Intersections: The trail connects to the Maah Daah Hey Trail north of the South Unit (near mile post 61-62) and south of the South Unit (near mile post 49-50).