Despite the generally flat countryside throughout most of the state, a few single-track sites are challenging enough to bring on the adrenaline. Many of the best of these trails are in the area surrounding Medora.

Several trails have been defined in and around Medora, ranging from easy, paved roads to advanced, technical single track trails. Bikes can be rented in Medora at the Dakota Cyclery bike shop by the hour, half days, and full days. Fees are $6 for one hour, $10 for two hours, $15 for four hours, $25 for twenty-four hours, and $40 for two days. Guided rides are available at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily during the summer at the Dakota Cyclery shop. The shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. The U.S. Forest Service, the N.D. State Parks, and the National Park Service are cooperating with several private organizaions and landowners to construct the Maah-Daah-Hey trail. Click here for an updated on-line detailed trail guide, snaps, and maps. GPS coordinates and downloadable files are also available here for some portions of the trail.

For those who want to strike out completely on their own, thousands of acres of National Grasslands are open to public access. Bikers must remember that these areas are often leased by ranchers for grazing purposes, and that gates need to be re-closed if they were originally found that way. Before heading out on your own, get a map of the area you are exploring, and let someone know of your expected route. Many public areas are intermingled with private lands. Always respect any "no trespassing" signs on private land.

Contact :

Dakota Prairie Grasslands
U.S. Forest Service
Medora Ranger District
161 21st St. W.
Dickinson, ND   58601
701-225-5151

Dakota Prairie Grasslands
U.S. Forest Service
McKenzie Ranger District
HCO 2, Box 8
Watford City, ND 58854
701-842-2393

Dakota Prairie Grasslands
U.S. Forest Service
1511 E. Interstate Avenue
Bismarck, ND   58501
701-250-4443

Dakota Cyclery
1606 East Main
Bismarck, ND   58501
701-222-1218

The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through North Dakota. It is the longest of the eight National Scenic Trails, and connects the Adirondack Mountains in New York with the Missouri River in North Dakota. So far, 59 miles of the approximately 435 miles of the North Dakota portion of this trail are finished. The part of the trail which runs through the Lonetree wildlife management area near Harvey is marked and open. The trail runs 32 miles within the 33,000 acre Lonetree wildlife management area. The trail itself is much better for hiking than for riding, since it consists of unmowed grass. The only indication of the trail location in many places is the large plastic yellow markers spaced every few hundred yards. Riders are not left out completely however, as long as we are satisfied riding on gravel roads and double-track prairie trails. The trails intersect the actual North Country trail every mile or so, and riders can see Indian tepee rings and a sod house. The North Country Trail is designed and authorized for use by most types of nonmotorized vehicles, so if you are up to it you can actually strike out cross-country. The trail may run parallel to roads, but certified segments may not directly follow roads which are for motor vehicles. Stop at the local North Dakota Game and Fish Department headquarters six miles south and eight miles west of Harvey for maps and updated information.

The North Country National Scenic Trail also runs through the Lake Sakakawea State Park, near Pick City. This portion of the trail is not very long, but it is very scenic.

Contact :

North Dakota State Game and Fish Department
100 North Bismarck Expy
Bismarck, ND   58501-5095
701-328-6300

A few other good biking areas can be found locally throughout the state. Most North Dakota State Parks prohibit bikes on their hiking trails, but established trails on some Game & Fish Department State Wildlife Management Areas can be enjoyed as long as you are not part of a group. The North Dakota State Parks which do permit off-road biking are:

- Lake Metigoshe State Park (great off-road riding)
- Turtle River State Park (includes a designated mountain bike trail established by the North Star Bike Club)
- Fort Stevenson State Park (average off-road riding)
- Lake Sakakawea State Park (average off-road riding)
- Sully Creek State Park (a very small park which actually works as a good launching pad for the Maah Daah Hey Trail)

Additionally, Fort Ransom State Park (south of Valley City) is researching the feasibility of incorporating mountain bike use into the park.

The Knife River Ranch near Golden Valley or the Little Knife Outfitters near Watford City can help you out with your mountain biking plans.

One of the best bets for rural riding in North Dakota are the common "prairie trails". North Dakota generally has high-grade gravel roads running north and south every few miles. Usually, in between these well-traveled gravel roads are double-track prairie trails, which see very little traffic. Many of these are adventures waiting to happen. Some lead into rugged country, and with a little map study you can choose roads which allow many miles of wandering. The best part about these trails is that they are plentiful, you can't go far in western North Dakota before finding them.

Check out these two stories on summer Maah-Daah-Hey trail rides!

Southern Maah-Daah-Hey ride

Northern Maah-Daah-Hey ride