Hiking in North Dakota State Parks
Hiking in North Dakota State Parks
There is ample opportunity to enjoy hiking in North Dakota state parks and as such, you have the privilege of customizing your hiking trip according to your preferences and abilities. There are easy hiking trails on paved paths and which could be covered in less than an hour’s time. But if you want something more challenging and rewarding then there are also trails that take you through the highly diverse landscape of North Dakota. Whatever kind of hiking experience you wish to enjoy, the state parks of North Dakota will be more than ready to offer.
Basic Reminders about Hiking in North Dakota State Parks
Use the tips below as guidelines to have a safe but enjoyable hiking trip.
Get a trail map.
There are trail maps offered at the entrance office in each and every state park of North Dakota so make sure to get one for you and your fellow hikers. If you wish to study the trail in advance, there are several state parks that offer printable or downloadable trail versions of their trail maps. These include Turtle River, Lake Metigoshe and Sakakawea, Lewis and Clark, Fort Stevenson, Little Missouri, and Cross Ranch.
Dress appropriately.
This includes shoes, too. If you are not dressed appropriately, you could become more prone to heat stroke or hypothermia – depending on when you’re going hiking – as well as face greater risk of injury when traveling on the more difficult sections of the trail.
Generally speaking, the best outfits for hiking are those that are appropriate for the weather, highly comfortable but do not restrict your movements at the same time. Also, consider purchasing hiking shoes as these are built to be weatherproof and extremely durable as well as comfortable to wear.
Pack appropriately.
Unlike with horseback riding or even mountain biking, you do not have any pack animal or vehicle to help you bear the weight of your belongings. Pack lightly but appropriately. Even if you pack more than usual, you will have to travel at reduced speed as well as experience greater difficulty traversing uneven or rough terrain.
Do not overexert yourself.
Although there are sure to be park rangers roaming in the area at all times, why should you take an unnecessary risk with your health? Avoid overexerting yourself and try to take short but regular breaks during longer trails.
Now that you’re all packed and ready to go, all you have to do now is to choose which trail appeals to you most. The North Country National Scenic Trail and Maah Daah Hey Trail, for instance, are considered as some of the best trails for hiking in North Dakota state parks.
Is there a site which shows a map of all the hiking trails in North Dakota. I’ve researched Medora already. Am interested in some out-of-the-way hiking areas with some good elevation. Thanks