The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 96 mile hiking, horseback and mountain bicycle trail that traverses through the scenic and rugged North Dakota badlands. The trail passes through the Little Missouri National Grasslands, as well as State and private land, as it connects the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The trail begins at Sully Creek State Park, located south of Medora (Interstate 94, exit 24) in Billings County. The trail winds its way to its northern terminus at the U.S. Forest Service CCC Campground in McKenzie County, located 20 miles south of Watford City off Highway 85.

Still to come: Four fenced overnight camp sites with hitching posts, vault toilets, and campfire rings are scheduled to be constructed along the trail in 2001. Also scheduled, the 20-mile long Buffalo Gap Trail that will bypass the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as well as connect to the U.S. Forest Service Buffalo Gap Campground (located off Interstate 94, exit 18).

The trail name, "Maah Daah Hey", comes from the Mandan Indians and means "an area that has been or will be around for a long time."

The turtle is used as the trail marker. The turtle was chosen because of its firm determination, steadfastness, patience, long life and fortitude.

The Maah Daah Hey trail traverses an area of highly dissected badlands surrounded by large expanses of gently rolling prairie. This area of North Dakota provides prime habitat for a variety of mammals and birds. Mule deer and coyotes are often sighted, while an occasional golden eagle or prairie falcon may be spotted soaring above. Bighorn sheep and elk have been reintroduced into the area and can be spotted by keen observers. In addition, bison and feral horses roam the range in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The trail is open for use all year, but at various times of the year, the trail may be impassable due to mud, snow, ice, and high water.

Users of the Maah Daah Hey Trail will share the same space with horseback riders, hikers and bicyclists. Users will be expected to respect the rights of others. Shared-use trails are successful when users cooperate and abide by the rules.

REGULATIONS

• The trail is closed to all motorized vehicles.
• Bicycles are NOT allowed on the trail as it passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. They may not be ridden or carried. Riders need to contact the U.S. Forest Service for alternative routes around the park boundary.
• Users must stay on the trail when crossing private and state land.
• Close any gates that you open.
• Camping is prohibited on private and state land.
• Stock users must use weed seed free hay or feed in order to reduce the risk of exotic/noxious plant introduction. Weed-free hay/feed sources in North Dakota.
• Artifacts and other cultural features are protected by Federal Law. DO NOT COLLECT OR DISTURB.
• Pack out all trash and other materials. Burying trash is prohibited.
• Do not wash dishes or use detergents in water sources.
• For proper sanitation make toilets in a shallow hole 200 feet or more from camp, water sources, and trail.
• For your safety, do NOT approach oil and gas facilities; poison gases may be present.

Additional regulations for trail users in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Park entrance fee must be paid at either the South Unit or North Unit Visitor Center.
• A free permit is required for overnight camping.
• Open fires are prohibited.
• Pets and bicycles are not allowed on any trails or in the backcountry.
• All plants, wildlife, natural and cultural features in the park are protected. Do not disturb or remove them.
• Collecting or possessing skulls, antlers and other animal parts is illegal.
• Hunting is prohibited, as is the feeding or harassing of wildlife.
• Weapons, firearms and fireworks are prohibited.

The trail is a joint effort of the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.

Revised March, 2001