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. It suits backpackers who want solitude in an overlooked landscape: constantly rolling terrain through stark ridges, juniper-choked coulees, and wide-open prairie with long views. The cumulative elevation gain of over 15,000 feet comes not from big 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 awkward logistics, best suited to experienced backpackers comfortable with self-sufficiency and exposure.
No permits are required for hiking the Maah Daah Hey Trail on US Forest Service land (Little Missouri National Grassland), which makes up most of the route. You do 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 also crosses private and state land in several sections; camping is strictly prohibited on those 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 follow Leave No Trace principles. Fires may be restricted during dry periods, so 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, and burying it is prohibited. Dig catholes at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trail.
Late spring (mid-May through June) and early fall (September through early October) have the most favorable conditions. Late May to mid-June is the greenest window, with wildflowers and occasional rain. September into early October brings cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and stable weather before winter arrives.
Summer (July-August) means intense heat with minimal shade and full sun across the exposed ridges and grasslands. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, though nights cool quickly, so 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, building up on 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 possible snow.
Winter drops over 50 inches of snow and closes the trail to backpacking, though the snow-covered badlands draw experienced winter travelers with proper gear.
Water is the critical logistical problem 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 the pumps only operate from May through early November (handles are removed around November 10). The wells are turned on in May. Do not attempt a thru-hike before then, because they are 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 with the season and volunteer maintenance, so do not depend solely on caches. The trail map shows springs, stock tanks, and dugouts, but these are unreliable and often unsuitable for filtering because of livestock use and algae.
The most conservative strategy is caching your own water at road crossings and trailheads before the trip. 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 is the primary resupply point. The town has a convenience store with limited backpacking food, camping supplies, and basic groceries, plus several restaurants. For a full resupply, drive to Dickinson (35 miles east, 40 minutes), which has a Walmart and full-service grocery stores. Watford City near the northern terminus has similar services. Some backpackers arrange mail drops to the Medora post office.
Prairie rattlesnakes are abundant along the whole trail; multiple hikers report seeing 50+ snakes over a multi-day trip. They are 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, which is common along the trail. Ticks are prevalent in spring and early summer.
Wildlife includes bison in the 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 them. Prairie dog towns are common.
Exposure is constant. The trail has minimal shade, and you will be in full sun across the ridges and grasslands. Lightning risk is high during afternoon thunderstorms on exposed ridges; watch the weather and get to low ground during electrical activity. Heat exhaustion is a real threat in summer, given the limited shade and water.
The bentonite clay soil becomes dangerously slippery and sticky when wet, and the trail is effectively impassable during and after rain. The mud accumulates in thick layers on boots and can cause dangerous footing on steep sections. Some sections have steep climbs and descents with significant drop-offs, and the trail is narrow in places with exposure on both sides.
Navigation is generally straightforward on the well-marked singletrack, but the ups and downs never stop. Every mile involves steep pitches, and there are virtually no flat sections. The cumulative gain of 15,000+ feet comes from endless short climbs rather than big mountain passes.
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 fine for standard vehicles, though high clearance helps.
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) have more flight options. A rental car is essential.
Dakota Cyclery in Medora provides shuttle services: one-way shuttles run $275 for 1-4 people plus $50 per additional person, with drop-offs at Bennett Campground, Burning Coal Vein, Third Creek, and other trailheads. Other shuttle options may be available from local outfitters; ask 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 the Buffalo Gap Trail alternate route). Backpackers can hike through the park sections but need backcountry permits to camp within park boundaries.
Start early each day to beat the afternoon heat and thunderstorms. The constant elevation change makes mileage slower than expected; 15-20 miles per day is ambitious for most backpackers on this terrain.
Cache water at road crossings before your trip if thru-hiking. This gives you critical backup between the 18-20 mile spacing of reliable sources. Download offline maps and carry the official USFS Maah Daah Hey map, which shows the elevation profile and water source locations.
Plan campsites around water availability. The designated campgrounds have guaranteed water in season, while dispersed camping gives you more flexibility and solitude. Scout for flat spots, since the terrain rolls without pause.
Timing your pass through Medora for a mid-trip resupply works well for most thru-hikers. It breaks the trip into manageable sections, and town food and a real shower help morale.
Gaiters help with dust in dry conditions and add protection from rattlesnakes and poison ivy in brushy sections. Trekking poles earn their keep on the constant steep ups and downs.
The trail is famously sticky when wet. If rain arrives, consider waiting it out rather than slogging through bentonite mud; a day at a campground beats destroying the trail and your gear.
Wildlife viewing is best at dawn and dusk, and the badlands are most dramatic in golden hour light, so factor photography time into your itinerary.
Pick your trailheads, choose campsites, and build a day-by-day itinerary. Hikeset tracks your gear, meals, and group so nothing gets left behind.
Start PlanningFree account. No credit card needed.
Hikeset Beta