Overview

The Maah Daah Hey Trail traverses 144 miles of North Dakota's badlands from Sully Creek State Park near Medora north to CCC Campground near Watford City, linking the south and north units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This is a trail for backpackers seeking solitude in an overlooked landscape—expect constantly rolling terrain through stark ridges, juniper-choked coulees, and wide-open prairies with sweeping vistas. The relentless elevation gain (over 15,000 feet cumulative) comes not from massive climbs but from endless short, steep pitches that look like a saw blade on the elevation profile. This is remote country with minimal shade, extreme temperature swings, and challenging logistics, best suited for experienced backpackers comfortable with self-sufficiency and exposure.

Permits & Regulations

No permits are required for hiking the Maah Daah Hey Trail on US Forest Service land (Little Missouri National Grassland), which comprises most of the route. However, you'll need a backcountry camping permit if camping within Theodore Roosevelt National Park boundaries where the trail passes through both the south and north units. The trail crosses private and state land in several sections—camping is strictly prohibited on these parcels and you must stay on the trail when crossing them.

Dispersed camping is legal on Forest Service land within the Little Missouri National Grassland. Stay at least 150 feet from water sources and practice Leave No Trace principles. Fires may be restricted during dry periods—check current conditions with the Dakota Prairie Grasslands office before your trip. Four designated backcountry campsites (Bennett, Elkhorn, Magpie, and Wannagan) charge overnight fees and provide hitching posts, fire rings, and seasonal hand-pumped water. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days at a single site and 28 cumulative days per year across the grassland.

Artifacts are protected by federal law—do not collect or disturb cultural features. Stock users must use certified weed-free hay. All trash must be packed out; burying is prohibited. Dig catholes at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trail.

Best Season

Late spring (mid-May through June) and early fall (September through early October) offer the most favorable conditions. Late May to mid-June provides the greenest landscape with wildflowers, though expect occasional rain. September into early October brings cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and stable weather before winter arrives.

Summer (July-August) brings intense heat with minimal shade and full sun exposure across the exposed ridges and grasslands. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, though nights cool quickly—pack layers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can turn the bentonite clay trail into impassable sticky mud.

Avoid the trail during wet periods. The soil is almost entirely bentonite clay that becomes extraordinarily sticky when wet, adhering to boots in thick layers and making progress miserable. Check the forecast carefully and wait for dry conditions. Early spring (April-early May) and late fall (November) bring unpredictable weather with sudden temperature drops and potential snow.

Winter sees over 50 inches of snow making the trail impassable for backpacking, though the snow-covered badlands are stunning for experienced winter travelers with proper gear.

Water & Resupply

Water is the critical logistical challenge on the Maah Daah Hey. The four designated USFS campgrounds (Bennett, Elkhorn, Magpie, Wannagan) have hand-pumped potable water spaced 18-20 miles apart, but pumps are only operational from May through early November (handles removed around November 10). These wells are turned on in May—do not attempt a thru-hike before the wells are operational, as they're the only reliable water sources.

Eight volunteer-maintained water caches supplement the campground wells at strategic locations: Bear Creek, Beicegel Creek Road, Long X, Magpie Road, Plumely Draw, Roosevelt, Third Creek, and Tom's Wash. Cache reliability varies seasonally and by volunteer maintenance—do not depend solely on caches. The trail map shows springs, stock tanks, and dugouts, but these are unreliable and often unsuitable for filtering due to livestock use and algae.

The most conservative water strategy is caching your own water before the trip at road crossings and trailheads. Carry substantial capacity (4+ liters) between sources and plan daily mileage around water availability. The southern section from Sully Creek to Medora has no natural water sources.

Medora sits roughly one-third along the trail and serves as the primary resupply point. The town has a convenience store with limited backpacking food, camping supplies, and basic groceries, plus several restaurants. For comprehensive resupply, drive to Dickinson (35 miles east, 40 minutes) which has a Walmart and full-service grocery stores. Watford City near the northern terminus offers similar services. Some backpackers arrange mail drops to the Medora post office.

Hazards & Challenges

Prairie rattlesnakes are abundant throughout the trail—multiple hikers report encountering 50+ snakes over a multi-day trip. They're particularly common in rocky areas and around campgrounds including Magpie. Watch where you step and place your hands, especially in brushy areas with poison ivy (common along the trail). Ticks are prevalent in spring and early summer.

Wildlife includes bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park sections, occasional mountain lions (rare but present), and wild horses and cattle on the trail. Give bison wide berth and never approach. Prairie dog towns are common.

Exposure is constant—the trail offers minimal shade and you'll face full sun across ridges and grasslands. Lightning risk is high during afternoon thunderstorms on exposed ridges. Monitor weather and seek low ground during electrical activity. Heat exhaustion is a real threat in summer with limited shade and water.

The bentonite clay soil becomes dangerously slippery and sticky when wet, making the trail effectively impassable during and after rain. The mud accumulates in thick layers on boots and can cause dangerous footing on steep sections. Some sections feature steep climbs and descents with significant drop-offs—the trail is narrow in places with exposure on both sides.

Navigation is generally straightforward on the well-marked singletrack, but the constant ups and downs are relentless. Every mile involves steep pitches—there are virtually no flat sections. The cumulative elevation gain of 15,000+ feet comes from endless short climbs rather than big mountain passes.

Getting There

The southern terminus at Sully Creek State Park is 3 miles south of Medora off Highway 85—follow signs to the park. The northern terminus at CCC Campground sits 15-16 miles south of Watford City, also accessed via Highway 85. Additional trailheads at Bennett, Magpie, Elkhorn, and Buffalo Gap provide alternative starting points. Most access roads are gravel and suitable for standard vehicles, though high clearance is helpful.

The nearest major airport is Williston Basin International (XWA), 38 miles from Watford City, with limited commercial flights. Bismarck (135 miles southeast of Medora) and Rapid City, South Dakota (140 miles south) offer more flight options. Rental cars are essential.

Dakota Cyclery in Medora provides shuttle services: one-way shuttles run $275 for 1-4 people plus $50 per additional person. They shuttle to Bennett Campground, Burning Coal Vein, Third Creek, and other trailheads. Other shuttle options may be available from local outfitters—inquire in Medora or Watford City. Parking is available at all major trailheads.

The trail passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park where bicycles are prohibited on the trail itself (cyclists must use Buffalo Gap Trail alternate route). Backpackers can hike through park sections but need backcountry permits for camping within park boundaries.

Tips

Start early each day to beat afternoon heat and thunderstorms. The constant elevation change means mileage will be slower than anticipated—15-20 miles per day is ambitious for most backpackers given the terrain.

Cache water at road crossings before your trip if doing a thru-hike. This provides critical backup between the 18-20 mile spacing of reliable water sources. Download offline maps and carry the official USFS Maah Daah Hey map with elevation profile and water source locations.

Camp selection requires planning around water availability. The designated campgrounds offer guaranteed water during season, but dispersed camping provides more flexibility and solitude. Scout for flat spots—the terrain is relentlessly rolling.

Timing through Medora for a mid-trip resupply works well for most thru-hikers. It breaks the trip into manageable sections and provides a morale boost with town food and a real shower.

Gaiters help manage dust in dry conditions and provide protection from rattlesnakes and poison ivy in brushy sections. Trekking poles are valuable for the constant steep ups and downs.

The trail is famously sticky when wet—if you encounter rain, consider waiting it out rather than slogging through bentonite mud. A day at a campground is better than destroying the trail and your gear.

Wildlife viewing is exceptional at dawn and dusk. The badlands landscape is most dramatic in golden hour light—factor photography time into your itinerary.

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