Maah Daah Hey Trail, North Dakota

When it comes to wide skies, dramatic badlands and trails that welcome beginners without skimping on scenery, North Dakota’s Maah Daah Hey Trail delivers in spades. While the full trail stretches nearly 150 miles, the section running through the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a standout for new hikers looking for big views and small crowds. This 6-mile stretch between the CCC Campground and Wannagan Campground feels remote but accessible, scenic without being severe and offers a true taste of the Dakota wilderness—minus the blisters and burnout

🌾 Where Nature Feels Personal

Step onto the trail near CCC Campground and you’ll immediately sense the space. The terrain is open, rolling and subtly wild, with grasslands giving way to striped buttes and colorful rock formations. This is the kind of place where your pace naturally slows. Not because it’s tough, but because there’s so much to see.

The path is clearly marked and non-technical, ideal for those just starting their hiking journey or anyone wanting a peaceful walk through an unspoiled corner of the Great Plains.

✨ Why You’ll Love It

There’s a quiet magic to this part of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, especially for beginner hikers who want nature without the hassle:

  • Gentle Terrain, Great Payoff: With just ~300 feet of elevation gain across 6 miles, the effort-to-reward ratio is in your favor.
  • Bison, Eagles, and Prairie Dogs: Wildlife is abundant, so keep your camera handy and give animals respectful space.
  • Fewer Crowds: Compared to the more trafficked South Unit, this area feels like your own private slice of the badlands.

You can hike out-and-back from the CCC Campground or set up a shuttle using the Wannagan Campground access point. Either way, you’re in for a quiet, scenic adventure.

📌 Trail Details & Coordinates

  • Location: Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit), near Watford City, ND
  • Trail Type: Out-and-back or shuttle
  • Distance: ~6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
  • Trailhead Coordinates: 47.6156° N, 103.3582° W (CCC Campground)
  • Alternate End Point: 47.6011° N, 103.3287° W (Wannagan Campground)
  • Parking: Free at CCC Campground
  • Restrooms: Available seasonally near trailheads
  • Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash

🧳 What to Pack

To make the most of your hike, be sure to bring the essentials:

  • 1–2 liters of water (no refills along the trail)
  • Lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners
  • Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Layers—this is North Dakota, and the weather changes fast
  • Binoculars for spotting wildlife
  • Downloaded offline map (cell service is spotty or learn how to read a trail map)

🥾 Why It’s a Must for Beginner Hikers

This stretch of the Maah Daah Hey Trail proves that beginner hikes don’t have to feel like “settling.” With wide-open views, easy terrain and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere, it offers everything you want from the outdoors without making you work too hard for it.

Whether you’re getting started on your hiking journey or just passing through North Dakota’s big sky country, this trail deserves a top spot on your bucket list.