Maah Daah Hey Trail Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience North Dakota's premier 144-mile non-motorized singletrack slicing through the rugged beauty of the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This trail offers solitude, breathtaking vistas, and a true test of endurance for hikers and mountain bikers alike.
Stretching 144 miles across the jagged expanse of the North Dakota Badlands, the Maah Daah Hey Trail is an adventure that defies the flat stereotypes of the Great Plains. The name comes from the Mandan Hidatsa Indians and roughly translates to “an area that will be around for a long time.” As you traverse the trail, you understand why; the landscape here feels ancient, with millions of years of geological history exposed in the colorful striations of the buttes. From the grassy rolling prairies to the chaotic clay formations, this is a place of profound silence and solitude.
The trail connects all three units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, serving as a non-motorized corridor for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. It is considered an IMBA Epic ride, offering world-class singletrack that challenges even the most seasoned cyclists with its steep climbs and technical descents. Whether you are attempting a multi-day thru-hike or just sampling a few miles near Medora, the Maah Daah Hey offers a wilderness experience that is raw, rugged, and unforgettably American.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Legend of the Turtle
The trail is marked by posts branded with a turtle symbol, a nod to the Lakota Sioux lore where the turtle represents patience, determination, and steadfastness, qualities you will undoubtedly need on this terrain. Unlike the manicured trails of national parks, the MDH is wild. It was constructed by linking ancient game trails and wagon routes, and today it is maintained largely by the dedicated volunteers of the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association. This community spirit is palpable, and the trail serves as a living tribute to the cooperative history of the region.
Logistically, the trail is a beast. Water is scarce in the Badlands, and natural sources are often alkali-rich and undrinkable even with filters. This necessitates “caching” water at road crossings ahead of your trip or relying on the specific campgrounds that have pump wells. This element of danger and required preparation adds a layer of seriousness to the adventure; out here, self-sufficiency isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a requirement for survival.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Mountain Biking the 'Deuce'
Ride the famous Section II of the trail from Magpie to Elkhorn, featuring the breathtaking Devil's Pass crossing.
Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Experience a cowboy cookout where steaks are fondue-cooked on pitchforks overlooking the Badlands amphitheater.
Hiking the Petrified Forest Loop
Explore ancient geological history with massive petrified tree stumps in the remote wilderness of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Touring Chateau de Mores
Visit the 26-room summer home of the French Marquis who founded Medora in 1883.
Love what you see? Get a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style.
The Icons You’ll Want to See
Devil’s Pass - Perhaps the most famous feature on the trail, this narrow land bridge drops off steeply on both sides, offering adrenaline-pumping views. Located roughly 18 miles south of Magpie Campground, it is free to access but requires significant effort to reach.
The China Wall - A striking vertical rock formation that looks like a fortress wall rising out of the prairie. It is accessible via the Plumley Draw trailhead (approx. 3 miles hike in) or as part of a longer ride.
The Ice Caves - Located on the northern end of the trail near the start, these limestone fissures create a natural refrigerator, retaining ice and cold air even when the outside temperature hits 90°F.
Medora - The charming gateway town at the southern terminus. It serves as the cultural hub with hotels, dining, and the entrance to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Maah Daah Hey usually involves flying into Bismarck (BIS) or Dickinson (DIK) and renting a car. The trail is linear, not a loop, so logistics are key. Most visitors base themselves in Medora for day trips, or arrange shuttles through local outfitters like Dakota Cyclery to drop them at northern trailheads for a ride back to town.
Pack for extremes. The weather in the Badlands can shift rapidly from blistering heat to severe thunderstorms with hail. The soil is Bentonite clay, which turns into “gumbo” when wet, a sticky, peanut-butter-like mud that will clog bike tires and cake hiking boots within minutes. If it rains, stay off the trail to prevent damage to the terrain and your equipment.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Autumn (September - Mid-October)
Pros
- Stable, dry weather perfect for riding
- No biting insects
- Beautiful fall foliage along the Little Missouri River
- Trail surface is packed and fast
Cons
- Shorter daylight hours
- Cold nights require warmer camping gear
- Hunting season may require wearing blaze orange
Shoulder Season: Late Spring (Late May - June)
Pros
- Lush green landscapes
- Abundant wildflowers
- Active wildlife and newborn bison calves
- Long daylight hours
Cons
- Significant risk of 'gumbo' mud from rain
- Ticks can be prevalent
- River crossings may be high
Off-Peak: Winter (November - March)
Pros
- Complete solitude
- Stunning snowy landscapes
- Low costs for lodging in nearby Medora
Cons
- Many access roads are closed
- Dangerous wind chills
- Limited services and closed businesses
Ultimately, the Maah Daah Hey is more than just a trail; it is a journey through the heart of the American West. It demands respect and preparation, but the reward is an intimate connection with one of the most visually stunning and quietest landscapes in North America.
Sample Itineraries
Badlands Weekend: Medora & Day Hikes
A mix of comfort and adventure, basing yourself in historic Medora while exploring iconic trail sections by day.
Day 1: Arrival and The Painted Canyon
- Morning: Arrive in Medora and check into the Rough Riders Hotel, then head immediately to the Painted Canyon Visitor Center on I-94 to hike the 1.1-mile nature trail for your first taste of the terrain free of charge.
- Afternoon: Drive into the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to hike the Wind Canyon Trail, a short 0.4-mile loop offering one of the most photographed views of the Little Missouri River.
- Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner at the Little Missouri Saloon for around $40 followed by a stroll through the walkable historic streets of downtown Medora.
Day 2: The Iconic Trail Experience
- Morning: Rent bikes or gear up for a hike and take a shuttle from Dakota Cyclery ($50/person) to the Plumley Draw trailhead to access the China Wall.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon navigating the 6-mile round trip to the China Wall and back, experiencing the rolling prairie and rugged badlands topography.
- Evening: Attend the famous Pitchfork Steak Fondue for dinner ($35/person) on the bluffs before watching the Medora Musical in the Burning Hills Amphitheatre.
Day 3: History and Departure
- Morning: Grab a massive caramel roll at the Cowboy Cafe for $6 before touring the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site ($10/person) to learn about the region’s aristocratic French history.
- Afternoon: Drive the 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive in the National Park to spot bison, wild horses, and prairie dog towns before beginning your journey home.
- Evening: Depart the area with a final stop at the Painted Canyon overlook to watch the colors shift across the badlands at sunset.
The Adventure Rider: Magpie to Medora
An action-packed itinerary for mountain bikers focusing on the most famous sections of the MDH trail.
Day 1: Devil’s Pass and The Deuce
- Morning: Park in Medora and take the early shuttle with Dakota Cyclery ($75/person) dropping you north at the Magpie Campground trailhead.
- Afternoon: Ride approximately 18 miles south toward Elkhorn, crossing the spectacular Devil’s Pass, a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides that requires careful navigation.
- Evening: Set up camp at the Elkhorn Campground for a primitive night under the stars, cooking your own dinner with supplies packed in your gear.
Day 2: The River Crossing and Finish
- Morning: Break camp early and begin the challenging ride south towards the Wanagan Creek area, tackling steep climbs and fast, flowing singletrack descents.
- Afternoon: Navigate the final miles crossing the Little Missouri River, be prepared to wade and carry your bike if the water is calf-deep, before rolling into the civilized streets of Medora.
- Evening: Celebrate your ride with a gourmet bison dinner at Theodore’s Dining Room in the Rough Riders Hotel, costing approximately $100 for two including drinks.
Ready to visit Maah Daah Hey Trail Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary?
Let AI build your perfect itinerary in seconds.