The best running trails in McKenzie County

The Caprock Coulee Trail offers a dynamic jogging experience through Theodore Roosevelt National Park's dramatic badlands. This moderate 4.1-mile (6.5 km) loop, with its 426 feet (130 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 49 minutes to complete. You'll traverse varied terrain, from open prairie to narrow coulees, encountering unique geological formations like caprocks and hoodoos, and enjoying expansive views of the Little Missouri River valley.

Planning your visit requires some foresight. The trail's bentonite clay sections can be extremely slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential. Summers can be very hot, and ticks are present in the spring, so dress appropriately and carry water. As a popular route, an early morning or late afternoon start is recommended for a more serene jog and better chances of wildlife sightings.

What makes the Caprock Coulee Trail notable is its comprehensive showcase of the park's natural beauty and geological diversity in a relatively short distance. Wildlife sightings are common, with bison frequently seen on or near the trail, along with deer and coyotes. It's a fantastic way to experience the park's unique landscapes and wildlife up close.

The Buckhorn Trail in Mckenzie County offers a unique jogging experience, blending a challenging workout with distinctive natural sights. As you cover the 11.1 miles (17.9 km), you'll pass by the intriguing Cannonball Concretions, which are spherical rock formations, and likely spot the bustling wildlife in the Prairie dog town. With 753 feet (229 metres) of elevation gain, this difficult route provides a sustained effort for runners, typically taking around 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, remember this is a difficult route, so come prepared with adequate hydration, especially if you're jogging during warmer parts of the day. While specific access details like permits or seasonal closures aren't noted, it's always wise to check local conditions before you go. An early start can help you beat the heat and enjoy the trail's unique features in peace.

This trail stands out for its geological curiosities and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it more than just a physical challenge. It's a great option for those seeking a longer, more demanding jog that also offers a chance to observe North Dakota's unique natural environment, particularly the fascinating concretions and prairie dog colonies.

The Sperati Point via Achenbach Trail offers a delightful journey through prairie grasslands, leading to expansive views of the Little Missouri River winding through rugged badlands. You'll experience a mostly flat path after a gentle initial incline, with natural ground that remains mud-free even after rain, making it a reliable option for jogging. The highlight is undoubtedly the breathtaking panorama from Sperati Point, where you can soak in the vast, eroded landscapes and spot vibrant wildflowers in spring.

Planning your visit is straightforward, but keep a few things in mind. The trail is entirely exposed, so consider jogging during cooler parts of the day, especially during the peak season from May through September, and always carry enough water. Dogs are not permitted on the trail, and while you might encounter bison, remember to keep a safe distance. This route is an easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) out-and-back, with 272 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 30 minutes to complete.

This trail is a spur off the longer Achenbach Trail, providing a taste of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, known for its more rugged badlands and fewer crowds. The area's landscape is a result of millions of years of erosion, creating dramatic rock formations and a diverse prairie ecosystem. It's a fantastic spot for birding and observing wildlife, offering a tranquil experience away from more frequented overlooks.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail offers a truly wild jogging experience through the North Dakota Badlands, where the landscape constantly shifts beneath your feet. You'll navigate varied terrain, from singletrack and dirt paths to rocky sections and bentonite buttes, all while enjoying majestic plateaus, jagged peaks, and expansive rolling prairies. Keep an eye out for wildlife like bison, elk, and wild horses as you pass through unique ecosystems and take in impressive canyon views on this moderate 7.8-mile (12.5 km) route with 660 feet (201 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Planning your visit means preparing for a challenging and rugged endeavor. The bentonite clay can become extremely sticky and slippery after rain, making progress difficult, and there's minimal cover from the elements in many sections. Cell service is sparse, and water sources are limited, so careful hydration planning is essential. Training on hills is a good idea to get ready for the trail's constant elevation changes.

This continuous single-track trail is renowned as one of North America's most challenging and rewarding, offering a profound sense of wilderness and solitude. It's a shared-use trail, welcoming hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, and is part of an extensive system that stretches from the CCC Campground to the Burning Coal Vein campground, passing through Medora. It's a fantastic choice if you're seeking an immersive Badlands adventure.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail Loop plunges you into the dramatic North Dakota Badlands, offering a unique jogging experience across diverse terrain. You'll traverse grassy flats, navigate steep clay badlands buttes, and encounter a mix of dirt, sandstone, and scoria underfoot. Expect stunning canyon views and vast expanses of rolling prairie, with the chance to spot abundant wildlife like bison and wild horses, making it a truly immersive wilderness run.

This difficult 10.3-mile (16.5 km) loop involves 847 feet (258 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 1 minutes to jog. Planning your visit requires attention to detail; cell service is sparse, and water sources are limited, so carry ample hydration. Be prepared for challenging conditions, especially after rain when bentonite clay sections can become extremely sticky and slippery.

Known as the "Serengeti of the Great Plains," the Maah Daah Hey Trail system, of which this loop is a part, is celebrated for its remoteness and rich wildlife. Its name, meaning "an area that has been or will be around for a long time," reflects the enduring nature of this land. The trail is also recognized as "EPIC" by the International Mountain Biking Association, highlighting its exceptional quality for non-motorized recreation.