From its rolling hills to the beautiful mountain trails, North Dakota is a state full of diverse and majestic landscapes. In recent years it’s become a popular destination for outdoor adventurers from all over the country, who come seeking an escape from their daily lives and the chance to explore some of the best mountains in America. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more rugged challenge, there are plenty of options available – with something that should fit everyone’s needs!
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring 15 of North Dakota’s most stunning mountain ranges. Read on to find out which one might provide you with your next unforgettable journey into nature!
Table of Contents
The Best Mountain Trails in North Dakota
Cross Ranch State Park
- Address: 1403 River Rd, Center, ND 58530, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (252)
- Phone: +1 701-794-3731
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 15 Scenic Mountains in North Dakota
River Bend Overlook Trail
- Address: Grassy Butte, ND 58634, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (219)
- Phone: +1 701-623-4466
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
This year has been the first year in a long while that it has been this green and the water level this high. Everything was beautiful. From the green grass to all the leaves on the trees everything is so serene. I highly recommend going for an outing there.By Mike O’Hara (5 months ago)This trail allows you to do what you like….short simple hike to the overlook…or follow the trails and see a little moreBy scott beilke (4 months ago)This is perhaps the single most spectacular view of either the North or South units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It looks down over the Little Missouri river into impressive variations of badlands terrain. From here there is a beautiful view not just of the river but of the valley and the buttes on the other side of the river that lead into the Achenbach Hills. If you’re particularly lucky, you may even get a majestic view of some of the wild bison which roam the park.By Devon Waldron (3 years ago)There is a shelter here built by the CCC. The views from the shelter are incredible. It is a good place to look over the badlands and the Little Missouri River.By Sharon Deroche (3 months ago)Dining room was closed before 7 pm.. I drive a 4500 ram truck with a 40 gooseneck.. so I disconnected the trailer to go throught the drive thru. Got food and the kid forgot my drink, sauce and a fork to eat my power bowl with. Food was good , and fresh.By Cody Clary (4 months ago)
Bison Plant Trail
- Address: 7801 54th Ave SE, Minot, ND 58701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (124)
- Reviews:
For Minot this is the best trail around if you’re wanting to stick close to town. Well marked, never too busy and has multiple trails for hiking and biking. Let my dog off-leash there every time.By Frank Kopa (a year ago)Basically makes a big circle if you’re walking- can’t speak to the bike paths. Well marked and has a river view at one point.By Natalie S. (a month ago)Great trails, plenty of wildlife, very green and plenty of shade. My son caught his first snake here and learned the importance of leaving wildlife where they belong ( where you found them) and not making every cute thing a pet! We had a wonderful time hiking the Bison Plant Trail!By Minkkit Andrews (2 years ago)We went here to cruise the trail with our R/C trucks! Lol it was fun! Plus we got in a little exercise as we found ourselves making a couple of loops not paying attention to the path. 2.5 miles instead of the 2.25 I’m sure. For cyclists it would be great, alot better than watching out for traffic in town. I’m thinking this well be our new r/c trail area, maybe we’ll see ya there!By Chris Rodriguez (3 years ago)Went their 3 days in a row and gate was locked.
Whats up with that
I called the place and was told a person can walk thru there. The reason for the gate is “no motorized vehicles”. I told him he needs to put that on the sign….he agreed and said he would..we’ll see….By Tom Schmidtgal (4 months ago)
Missouri River Natural Area and Trailhead
- Address: 1472 River Dr NE, Mandan, ND 58554, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (108)
- Phone: +1 701-667-3363
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Reviews:
It’s a great spot where there’s not a lot of people, even if there is a lot of people there’s a lot of area where you can be without too many people.By James Spano (2 years ago)Great place to walk one good spot to get the pups down to the water. If you start by going to the left the walk will be mostly shady.By Rachel Iverson (3 years ago)Lovely place to spend an afternoon. Great running/biking trails!By Kyla Hammer (3 years ago)Great trail for walking, pets, and/or bikes. Close to the river, beautiful trees, and quiet. We love going here in the fall with the trees changing colours.By Ben Buchmiller (5 years ago)Needs a porta–potty. But a great place for a bike ride on a windy day..
as well as most other days.By Ken Torkelson (6 months ago)
Petrified Forest Loop
- Address: Medora, ND 58645, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (78)
- Reviews:
Clearly I didn’t do my research! Entrance was 5-7 miles of gravel road. Passable but very dusty. We hiked in about a half mile because we were short on time and didn’t get to see any petrified forest. Heading back going west on I94 requires more dirt roads as there is no entrance to I94 west from this part of the park. Plan on at least 2 – 3 hours to visit here from Medora.By Tracy Cunningham (5 months ago)Awesome back country trail – probably came across 4-5 groups (2-4 people) but very remote. a few strenous area but alot of open and flat. Wildlife was every where and lots of petrified trees. We did the loop – 10 miles in about 4 hours.By Terry DeBey (2 months ago)One of the coolest hikes we did at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. First time seeing a petrified forest. It was hot but so worth it!By Angela Radloff (4 months ago)Great hike – views were amazing!
We did north loop only and had plenty of great views.By Ed Goff (5 months ago)This loop is accessed from outside the park but offers a pleasant hike and plenty of petrified trees. Dont worry, the dirt road to it is fairly smooth. Plus, a bison kind of shadowed us for part of the walk.By Joseph Hohler III (a year ago)
Wind Canyon Trail
- Address: Medora, ND 58645, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (74)
Painted Canyon Nature Trail
- Address: Belfield, ND 58622, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (73)
Caprock Coulee Trail
- Address: Grassy Butte, ND 58634, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (39)
White Butte Trailhead
- Address: White Butte Trl, Bowman, ND 58623, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (27)
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area
- Address: 101 5th St, Walhalla, ND 58282, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (25)
Maah Daah Hey Trail
- Address: Medora, ND 58645, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (16)
Buck Hill Trail
- Address: Belfield, ND 58622, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (15)
Coal Vein Trail
- Address: Belfield, ND 58622, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (12)
Pipestem Creek Bike Trail
- Address: Jamestown, ND 58401, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (10)
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
- Address: Bottineau, ND 58318, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 5 (8)
Point to Point Trail
- Address: 401 Six th St, Medora, ND 58645, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 3.8 (6)
Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best scenic mountains in North Dakota, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!
Was there for the bluegrass festival. Beautiful area full of cottonwood trees. The park staff were friendly, helpful and patient. The visitor center/park office was nice and cool, big and had activities (it was 97 and humid outside). Nice areas for camping and picnic tables. The little amphitheater was nice. Paths were nice and many were cement. Can’t wait to go back and stay in one of the cabins or yurts.
This park was just a campground and leave park but it was very pretty. Our campsite was right next to the mighty Missouri so you could hear all the different wildlife. The showers there were also very nice along with the bathrooms. Although they were not in the the campground for say they were more towards the entrance to the park so across a field.
Quietest campground I have ever stayed at! Love the quiet!
Well maintained. Love the trails! We stayed in a yurt and it was very nice. There is drinking water outside at every bathroom.
River banks are steep, limited access to river. No fish cleaning station. No good fishing access. Didn’t end up fishing, but it wasn’t priority this trip.
Microwave and coffee pot in yurt, didn’t know that before we went. Overall great place to stay!
We stayed in the Bagnell Yurt and had such a blast! Beautiful location along the Missouri and nestled in among Cottonwoods. When we arrived the Visitor Center was closed, but soon a park ranger came by and helped us get where we needed to be and some more helpful information. I grew up going to this park, but had not been back in many many years—facilities have been upgraded and new yurts and cabins and campsites are available. We did a trail run in the morning and spent some time reading at the Visitor Center. My fiancé was totally impressed and said we’d be back. Thank you for all your care in maintaining this beautiful park!
Gorgeous campground right by the Missouri River. Pull through, back in, tent, primitive and group camping. Lots of trees, playground, dogs welcome but leash only. Hiking trails, boat dock at the Sanger boat dock south of the campground.