Recreation Region: Little Missouri National Grassland

Maah Daah Hey Trail

Current Conditions

Open

The 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail stretches from the Burning Coal Vein Campground, located 49 miles south of Medora, to the CCC Campground, 16 miles south of Watford City. Winding through North Dakota’s badlands, the trail features rolling prairies, clay buttes, rugged canyons, steep rocky terrain, and views of the Little Missouri River.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

7001

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

The “Trackin’ Dirt” episode titled North Dakota Adventure Guide: The Maah Daah Hey Trail, Medora, Bismarck and the Badlands offers a unique look at the trail and was sponsored by North Dakota Tourism.

The Visitor Maps and Guides page offers information resources to navigate the trail. A comprehensive printed Maah Daah Hey Trail map is available at each of the five Dakota Prairie Grasslands offices.

Year-round, 24/7.

Each Forest Service campground along the trail has potable water available by hand pump throughout the season. Pump handles are removed preceding winter and restored in the spring. The campgrounds are 18 or more miles apart, so plan accordingly.

According to the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association, eight strategically placed water caches are seasonally available along the trail: Bear Creek, Beicegel Creek Road, Long X, Magpie Road, Plumely Draw, Roosevelt, Third Creek, and Tom’s Wash.

All trails are designated for non-motorized use only. As a result, motorized vehicles—including e-bikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles—are prohibited.

Getting There

Trailhead/Starting Points

CCC Campground: Features a trailhead for both the Maah Daah Hey, Long X, and Sunset trails.
Bennett Campground: Offers a trailhead for the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
Buffalo Gap Campground: Provides a trailhead for the Maah Daah Hey and is situated near I-94.
Burning Coal Vein Campground: The southern trailhead of the Maah Daah Hey Trail is located here.
Wannagan Campground: Offers access to both the Maah Daah Hey and Buffalo Gap trails.
Other USDA Forest Service campgrounds with adjacent connecting trails: Coal Creek, Elkhorn, and Magpie.

Additional Information

Operated By

Trail management is divided between two ranger districts:

• The Medora Ranger District oversees the Maah Daah Hey Trail from the Burning Coal Vein Campground north to the Ice Caves.

• The McKenzie Ranger District manages the trail from the Ice Caves north to the CCC Campground.

In addition, partner volunteer organizations—such as the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association and Save the Maah Daah Hey provide invaluable support in maintaining and improving the trail.