Maah-Daah-Hey Trail - Area 8


 Trail descriptions and maps are not to be copied with intention to republish without prior permission. WestDakota is not responsible for errors or omissions. These trails are sometimes difficult to follow and can be dangerous, and riders must be aware that they alone are responsible for their own safety.



Click here to see a topographic version of this map with GPS waypoints (227 KB).

Click here to see a profile of area 8 (32 KB).

Click here to see a bird's eye view of area 8 (108 KB - Vertical Scale Exaggerated 8X).

Click here to see a topographic version of the Buffalo Gap trail with GPS waypoints (400 KB).

Click here to see a profile of the Buffalo Gap trail (13 KB).

Click here to see a bird's eye view of the Buffalo Gap trail (46 KB - Vertical Scale Exaggerated 8X).

Waypoint Latitude Longitude Bearing Distance (miles) Total Distance (miles)
A8-27- 46 deg 55 min 49 sec N 103 deg 32 min 59 sec W 0.00 0.00 0.00
A8-26- 46 deg 55 min 44 sec N 103 deg 34 min 33 sec W 266.00 1.24 1.24
A8-25- 46 deg 56 min 29 sec N 103 deg 35 min 22 sec W 323.40 1.07 2.31
A8-24- 46 deg 56 min 34 sec N 103 deg 35 min 43 sec W 288.50 0.29 2.60
A8-23- 46 deg 57 min 28 sec N 103 deg 35 min 49 sec W 355.30 1.05 3.65
A8-22- 46 deg 57 min 46 sec N 103 deg 36 min 26 sec W 305.50 0.60 4.25
A8-21- 46 deg 58 min 15 sec N 103 deg 36 min 54 sec W 326.90 0.66 4.91
A8-20- 46 deg 58 min 52 sec N 103 deg 36 min 40 sec W 14.90 0.73 5.64
A8-19- 46 deg 59 min 34 sec N 103 deg 36 min 48 sec W 352.10 0.82 6.45
A8-18- 46 deg 59 min 32 sec N 103 deg 36 min 11 sec W 94.80 0.49 6.94
A8-17- 46 deg 59 min 56 sec N 103 deg 36 min 17 sec W 350.20 0.48 7.41
R0001 47 deg 0 min 13 sec N 103 deg 36 min 12 sec W 13.80 0.32 7.74
A8-15- 47 deg 0 min 45 sec N 103 deg 35 min 35 sec W 38.30 0.78 8.52
A8-14- 47 deg 1 min 10 sec N 103 deg 35 min 40 sec W 352.70 0.49 9.01
A8-13- 47 deg 1 min 9 sec N 103 deg 35 min 29 sec W 99.60 0.15 9.16
A8-12- 47 deg 1 min 46 sec N 103 deg 35 min 15 sec W 14.40 0.73 9.89
A8-11- 47 deg 1 min 53 sec N 103 deg 34 min 44 sec W 72.00 0.42 10.31
A8-10- 47 deg 1 min 39 sec N 103 deg 34 min 8 sec W 119.10 0.54 10.85
A8-9-- 47 deg 1 min 26 sec N 103 deg 33 min 59 sec W 154.30 0.27 11.12
A8-8-- 47 deg 1 min 35 sec N 103 deg 33 min 56 sec W 15.00 0.18 11.30
A8-7-- 47 deg 1 min 39 sec N 103 deg 33 min 53 sec W 26.60 0.08 11.37
A8-6-- 47 deg 1 min 45 sec N 103 deg 33 min 31 sec W 67.20 0.32 11.69
A8-5-- 47 deg 1 min 59 sec N 103 deg 33 min 32 sec W 355.70 0.26 11.95
A8-4-- 47 deg 2 min 27 sec N 103 deg 34 min 15 sec W 314.20 0.79 12.74
A8-3-- 47 deg 2 min 44 sec N 103 deg 34 min 25 sec W 337.90 0.35 13.09
A8-2-- 47 deg 2 min 44 sec N 103 deg 34 min 37 sec W 267.90 0.15 13.24
A8-1-- 47 deg 3 min 0 sec N 103 deg 34 min 42 sec W 348.30 0.32 13.56
BGAP1- 47.024917600 -103.563110300 0.00 0.00 0.00
BGAP2- 47.030957900 -103.579069500 299.00 0.86 0.86
BGAP3- 47.031043800 -103.582915800 271.90 0.18 1.04
BGAP4- 47.029085800 -103.587995900 240.60 0.28 1.32
BGAP5- 47.022020800 -103.589256500 187.00 0.49 1.81
BGAP6 47.021307400 -103.592131800 250.10 0.14 1.96
BGAP7- 47.019285000 -103.591734900 172.40 0.14 2.10
BGAP8- 47.019478100 -103.594358100 276.10 0.12 2.22
BGAP9- 47.015819600 -103.593703600 173.00 0.25 2.48
BGAP10 47.015272400 -103.603032300 265.10 0.44 2.92
BGAP11 47.011866000 -103.606846400 217.40 0.30 3.21
BGAP12 47.010026000 -103.605162000 147.90 0.15 3.36
BGAP13 47.007021900 -103.614877000 245.70 0.50 3.87
BGAP14 47.009087200 -103.638914900 277.20 1.14 5.01
BGAP15 47.003535000 -103.658951000 248.00 1.02 6.03
BGAP16 46.983161000 -103.656392200 175.10 1.41 7.45
BGAP17 46.982485100 -103.660002400 254.70 0.18 7.62
BGAP18 46.978091600 -103.657309500 157.20 0.33 7.95
BGAP19 46.965152600 -103.663183500 197.30 0.94 8.89
BGAP20 46.961145400 -103.657937100 138.10 0.37 9.26
BGAP21 46.960855700 -103.634382000 91.00 1.11 10.37
BGAP22 46.951006700 -103.630632300 165.40 0.70 11.08
BGAP23 46.949075500 -103.625187400 117.40 0.29 11.37
BGAP24 46.945792400 -103.624693800 174.10 0.23 11.60
BGAP25 46.939805700 -103.614726800 131.20 0.63 12.22
BGAP26 46.936184800 -103.615359800 186.80 0.25 12.48
BGAP27 46.933819100 -103.609351600 119.90 0.33 12.80
BGAP28 46.924018300 -103.602286700 153.70 0.76 13.56
BGAP29 46.923390600 -103.595430900 97.60 0.33 13.89
BGAP30 46.909437800 -103.589208200 163.00 1.01 14.89


Easy GPS is a freeware GPS file transfer program offered by TopoGrafix. Get your copy here!

Right-click and select "Save Target As" to download the following EasyGPS route files for areas 1 through 9 => mdh.gpx (approx. 50K).



Description of the Area 8 Maah-Daah-Hey along with the shortest route into Medora: (see below for the Buffalo Gap Trail bypass)

Total Distance of this section as described is approximately 14 miles with about 2-3 hours of actual riding time. Allow about 4 hours for the complete ride. The trail description for this section as described below is for a north to south ride. The description tha follows involves riding scoria/gravel roads. The Buffalo Gap Trail description can be found futher down on this page.

To get to the start point - From Medora, drive 1 mile west to I-94, then on I-94 another mile west to the West River Road exit. From this exit, drive north and west approximately 9-1/2 miles on 730A until you arrive at the intersection with road 726. Turn right on road 726 and travel northeast approximately 7 miles to the intersection with road 729. Continue west on 726 about 1 mile to the Maah-Daah-Hey trail crossing. The Wannagan campground is just prior to the trail crossing, on the north side of the road.

The Wannagan camground has 6 single unit back-in camping spaces and 2 double unit pull-through camp spurs. The campground has a single vault, unisex, handicap accessible toilet, along with a water well useable during the summer months.

Section 10
Start the ride with the short, flat, fun singletrack ride southeast through the corner of section 10.

Section 11
Continue southeast through the self-closing gate to Wannagan Creek. Cross the creek, then begin the moderate singletrack climb up the hill. Once on top, enjoy the great view to the south.

Section 14
Continue riding south through the state-owned land. As you ride along the fence on the flat, fast singletrack, enjoy the excellent view of the badlands to the east. Then, follow the trail, dropping off the high ground heading west onto some fast and fun downhill singletrack. This will lead you to a stock pond. Just west of the stock pond the Maah-Daah-Hey trail intersects the Buffalo Gap trail near milepost 14. The trail markers for this trail are similar to those on the Maah-Daah-Hey, but have a buffalo head symbol instead of a turtle. At this point, leave the Maah-Daah-Hey trail which continues over the stock dam and up the hill to the east. Instead, take the Buffalo Gap trail leading northwest from the stock dam. This trail then leads you through a valley parallel to a creek, which you cross before leaving this section. Remember, bikes are not allowed in the Park.

Section 15
Continue following the Buffalo Gap trail signs and watch the land topography as you leave section 14 and enter section 15. Just before leaving section 14, you are in a valley riding generally northwest along a creek, and near section 15 this creek joins Wannagan Creek, which is in another valley running northeast. As you leave section 14, you are leaving the first valley and joining another valley which is formed by a tributary of Wannagan Creek. Just southwest of where these two creeks meet, there is a stock tank. At this stock tank, turn south and ride through the large prairie dog town along the excellent cattle trail singletrack. If it is mid-July, you may want to have some insect repellent to deal with the numerous and very persistent horseflies. At the south end of the prairie dog town, leave the Buffalo Gap trail and continue south following the creek to section 22.

Section 22
Continue south following the creek until you meet the old double-track trail near the center of section 22. Continue on the double track, eventually climbing a moderate hill near the end of this section.

Section 27
The short ride through the corner of this section is on an abandoned double track road, provides an easy climb, and brings you close the Park fence.

Section 28
Continue following the dirt road west, then back east around a small draw. Ride the moderate to steep climb on the dirt road to the "Hole in the Fence". This is a small hole provided for hikers to enter the Park and it connects with the Petrified Forest trail in the Park. Often, vehicles are parked here for both hiking and biking opportunities. At this point, the trail riding is over until you reach Medora. Continue south on the double track road to the connection to the scoria road next to the oil well. Turn west on the scoria, and ride up the hill.

Sections 33, 1, 6, 7, 18, 17, 20, and 21
Continue on the scoria until you intersect with road 730A. Turn south on 730A. Ride approximately 5 miles south and east on 730A until you arrive at the I-94 West River Road exit. This is a fast, easy ride on good scoria, with only a few moderate hills. At the West River Road exit, parallel I-94 1 mile east (there is no trail here) to the Medora exit. Here, you will meet the Maah-Daah-Hey again as it exits the Park, and leads south.

To get to Medora - Follow the paved bike trail about 2 miles southeast into town.

Description of the Buffalo Gap Trail

Total Distance of this section as described is approximately 21 miles with about 3-4 hours of actual riding time. Allow about 5 hours for the complete ride. The trail description for the Buffalo Gap trail as described below is for a north to south ride, and is the "bypass" around the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

To get to the start point - From Medora, drive 1 mile west to I-94, then on I-94 another mile west to the West River Road exit. From this exit, drive north and west approximately 9-1/2 miles on 730A until you arrive at the intersection with road 726. Turn right on road 726 and travel northeast approximately 7 miles to the intersection with road 729. Continue west on 726 about 1 mile to the Maah-Daah-Hey trail crossing. The Wannagan campground is just prior to the trail crossing, on the north side of the road.

The Wannagan camground has 6 single unit back-in camping spaces and 2 double unit pull-through camp spurs. The campground has a single vault, unisex, handicap accessible toilet, along with a water well useable during the summer months.

Section 10
Start the ride with the short, flat, fun singletrack ride southeast through the corner of section 10.

Section 11
Continue southeast through the self-closing gate to Wannagan Creek. Cross the creek, then begin the moderate singletrack climb up the hill. Once on top, enjoy the great view to the south.

Section 14
Continue riding south through the state-owned land. As you ride along the fence on the flat, fast singletrack, enjoy the excellent view of the badlands to the east. Then, follow the trail, dropping off the high ground heading west onto some fast and fun downhill singletrack. This will lead you to a stock pond. Just west of the stock pond the Maah-Daah-Hey trail intersects the Buffalo Gap trail. The trail markers for this trail are similar to those on the Maah-Daah-Hey, but have a buffalo head symbol instead of a turtle. At this point, leave the Maah-Daah-Hey trail which continues over the stock dam and up the hill to the east. Instead, take the Buffalo Gap trail leading northwest from the stock dam. This trail leads you through a valley parallel to a creek, which you cross before leaving this section. Remember, bikes are not allowed in the Park.

Section 15
Watch the land topography as you leave section 14 and enter section 15. Just before leaving section 14, you are in a valley riding generally northwest along a creek, and near section 15 this creek joins Wannagan Creek, which is in another valley running northeast. As you leave section 14, you are leaving the first valley and joining another valley which is formed by a tributary of Wannagan Creek. Just southwest of where these two creeks meet, there is a stock tank. At this stock tank, turn south and ride through the large prairie dog town along the excellent cattle trail singletrack. If it is mid-July, you may want to have some insect repellent to deal with the numerous and very persistent horseflies.

Section 22
At the south end of the prairie dog town, watch for the Buffalo Gap trail markers, which turn northwest and lead over a hill. Travel south and west through the pretty scenery and excellent sidehill singletrack, and up and down the hills. Watch for the old log formations, which are worth a stop and a picture.

Sections 21 and 28
Enjoy the downhill to the prairie trail, then work your way up the gradual grassy uphill. Go through the self-closing gate.

Sections 29 and 30
Continue west over the grassy trail. This is easy prairie riding with few hills. Cross gravel road 730, and head south on a gradual grassy downhill. Easy riding.

Sections 31 and 3
Continue south through the prairie singletrack. Cross Knutson Creek and gravel road 726. More easy prairie riding. Several self-closing gates.

Sections 10 and 11
Turn east and travel through this rolling prairie singletrack. Easy riding with one creek crossing. You will be riding southeast at the end of section 11.

Sections 12 and 13
Cross through a small coulee, then through the culvert under the interstate. You will now be leaving the prairie, and getting into more badlands scenery. This is excellent, fun singletrack, easy riding.

Section 19
Enjoy the excellent ride downhill to Old Highway 10. Again, scenic, fast singletrack!

Sections 30 and 29
Continue south and east through the badlands on singletrack. This portion is primarily uphill, and joins the Maah-Daah-Hey near milepost 2.



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[ Area 7 | Area 9 | Maah-Daah-Hey ]

Click here for fine art photography of the North Dakota badlands and the Maah-Daah-Hey area.