The best MTB trails in North Dakota

North Dakota offers over 20 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes across the state's diverse landscapes.

For beginners, the Harmon Lake Recreation Trail is an excellent choice. This easy 9.3-mile route offers diverse terrain through prairies, woods, and wetlands with scenic lake views. Another accessible option is the Pioneer Park Trail, a 5.0-mile path along the Missouri River Valley cliffs.

Experienced riders looking for a challenge should explore sections of the renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail. While some parts are easier, the full 144-mile trail is known for its rugged and challenging sections through the Badlands and Little Missouri National Grasslands. The Maah Daah Hey Trail itself is rated moderate, and the Buffalo Gap Trail Loop also offers a moderate, longer ride with significant elevation changes.

North Dakota's mountain bike trails offer incredibly diverse scenery. You can ride through the majestic plateaus, jagged peaks, and expansive rolling prairies of the Badlands, or explore the vast Little Missouri National Grassland. Other areas feature rolling hills and woodlands, as well as trails with views of lakes like Harmon Lake and Lake Sakakawea, and the Missouri River.

Many trails pass by unique natural features. For instance, the Badlands offer painted canyons and diverse wildlife. Along various routes, you might encounter highlights such as the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail, the Painted Canyon Overlook, or geological formations like the Cannonball Concretions. The Little Missouri River is also a prominent feature in the Badlands landscape.

Yes, North Dakota has several loop trails. The Maah Daah Hey Trail: Medora Loop is an easy 13.0-mile option. For a longer, moderate ride, consider the Buffalo Gap Trail Loop, which covers over 32 kilometers. The Black Butte Loop is another easy, shorter loop at 8.2 kilometers.

The best time for mountain biking in North Dakota is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally favorable, and trails are clear of snow. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler rides and vibrant scenery.

The mountain biking experience in North Dakota is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the rugged Badlands scenery, the expansive grasslands, and the quiet, less crowded nature of the trails, especially on routes like the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

Yes, the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a nationally recognized 'EPIC ride,' winds through the Little Missouri National Grasslands and bypasses sections of Theodore Roosevelt National Park where biking is restricted, connecting both the North and South Units. The Buffalo Gap Trail also winds through the Badlands and grasslands of the park's South Unit.

North Dakota's only lift-service downhill mountain biking can be found at Frost Fire Park, located within the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area. This area offers 24 miles of trails, providing a unique experience for downhill enthusiasts.

Yes, Fort Stevenson State Park offers 8.5 miles of trails and provides fat tire bike rentals, making it a great spot to experience winter or year-round fat tire biking. Many other trails, especially those with packed surfaces, can also be suitable for fat tire bikes depending on conditions.

When mountain biking in North Dakota, especially in the Badlands and Little Missouri National Grassland, you might encounter diverse wildlife. This includes bison, wild horses, bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn. Always maintain a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.