Maah Daah Hey Trail – Southern Section
North Dakota's most challenging single-track adventure
The southern section of the Maah Daah Hey Trail cuts through some of North Dakota’s most rugged badlands terrain, starting near Medora and winding through Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s backcountry. This isn’t your typical overland route — it’s a purpose-built single-track that demands respect, with steep ascents over Scoria Point and technical descents into prairie dog towns that’ll test your line choice and throttle control.
Rated as expert-level, this trail requires a capable ATV or dirt bike rather than a full-size 4×4. The terrain is unforgiving clay and loose shale that turns greasy when wet, making spring and late fall nearly impassable. Summer’s your window, but pack serious water — there’s none along the route. What you get is pure badlands immersion: 360-degree views from ridge tops, wildlife encounters, and the satisfaction of conquering one of the Midwest’s most challenging motorized trails.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 96 mi / 154.5 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2890 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | ATV or dirt bike only |
| Nearest town | Medora, North Dakota |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can I run this in my Jeep or full-size truck?
No. The southern section of the Maah Daah Hey is a single-track trail designed for ATVs and dirt bikes only — full-size 4x4 vehicles are not permitted on this route. If you're looking for a badlands drive in a truck or Jeep, you'll need a different trail in the Medora area.
When is the trail actually rideable — and what kills a trip out here?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring mud and early-season wet clay in the badlands will stop you cold — gumbo mud here is no joke, it bogs everything and clogs up fast. Check conditions with the Dakota Prairie Grasslands office before you go.
Do I need a permit to ride the Maah Daah Hey southern section?
No permit is required to ride the trail, but you're operating on U.S. Forest Service land and must follow federal OHV regulations including staying on designated trail. No fees to access the trail itself, though some developed trailhead areas may have a fee for parking or camping.
What's the hardest part of the southern section and what should I actually be prepared for?
The technical climbs in and out of the badlands drainages are where people get into trouble — loose shale, steep off-camber sidehill sections, and zero bailout options for miles at a stretch. At 96 miles over 2-3 days with 3,200 feet of elevation gain in remote terrain, a mechanical failure means a serious self-rescue situation, not a quick trail walk-out.
Where do I get water and fuel for a 2-3 day run out here?
There are water crossings on trail but no reliable potable water sources — carry everything you need or bring a solid filtration setup. For fuel, Medora is your last stop before heading out; there's nothing along the route, so calculate your range carefully and carry extra.
Trail track
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