マッケンジー郡のおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

China Wall is a striking geologic feature made up of multi-colored layers that is a sight to behold on its own. However, if you venture to the top of the wall you will be treated to sweeping views across the North Dakota Badlands.

All told, the Maah Daah Hey Trail runs for 144 miles through the badlands of North Dakota. It's open to all non-motorized uses, including running, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking — except for when it passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. For that stretch, mountain biking is not allowed.

This portion of the Maah Daah Hey Trail passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While in the park, mountain biking is not allowed — so you'll only be sharing the trail with hikers, runners, and horseback riders. Along the way you can take in stellar views over the dramatic canyons of the Badlands, and there's lot of potential for wildlife sightings too. Make sure to give wildlife — especially big wildlife like bison — plenty of space.

This portion of the Maah Daah Hey Trail passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While in the park, mountain biking is not allowed — so you'll only be sharing the trail with hikers, runners, and horseback riders. Along the way you can take in stellar views over the dramatic canyons of the Badlands, and there's lot of potential for wildlife sightings too. Make sure to give wildlife — especially big wildlife like bison — plenty of space.

As one of the high points in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Sperati Point offers breathtaking views of the national park. You'll see its beautiful grasslands, the magnetic badlands and there's a high probability you'll see herds of bison roaming the trails and surrounding wilderness. Remember you're a guest in their home, so give them space and don't interact.

Right off the parking lot you'll find Oxbow Overlook. It offers an incredible view down upon the river below. Oxbow is the term for a small, separated meander of a stream or river that helps prevent flooding because the oxbow stores excess water.

The Upper Caprock Coulee trail continues where the Caprock Coulee Nature Trail stops. After a short but steep climb from the nature trail, you'll find yourself in the quietest section of the Caprock Coulee Loop and views start to open up over the badlands.

This nature trail (part of the overall Caprock Coulee loop) doesn't have much elevation gain, so it makes a great warm-up or a short run in and of itself. It's very popular with hikers, though, so your best chance of an uninterrupted run is getting out here early or late, or maybe during the week. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bison, which are fast and dangerous — you don't want to end up running sprints with one of those behind you.