Maah Daah Hey Trail – Northern Section
Badlands backcountry through forgotten North Dakota
The Maah Daah Hey cuts through some of the most desolate country in North Dakota, where the Little Missouri River carved a moonscape of buttes, coulees, and exposed coal seams. This northern section from the CCC Campground to Magpie Creek challenges drivers with loose shale climbs, narrow ridgeline traverses, and creek crossings that can turn treacherous after prairie thunderstorms. The overlook at Achenbach Hills rewards those who make it through the technical middle section with views across the entire badlands basin.
Moderate to difficult depending on conditions — wet weather makes the bentonite clay impassable even for experienced drivers. High-clearance 4WD mandatory, recovery gear recommended for the creek crossings and shale sections. Best tackled May through September when temperatures are manageable and thunderstorms less frequent. No permits required but camping is primitive only. Carry extra water and fuel — the nearest services are 40 miles away in Watford City. This is what North Dakota backcountry looks like when nobody’s watching.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2850 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Watford City, 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 | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle the northern section without modifications?
Yes, a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle is the minimum and will get through under normal conditions. Soft gumbo clay after rain turns the trail into a greasy mess that can stop even modified rigs, so tire choice and dry conditions matter more than lift height here.
When does the trail open and what months should I avoid?
May through September is the reliable window. Spring can push into late May depending on snowmelt and mud conditions — North Dakota gumbo clay when wet is genuinely impassable and will coat everything. Avoid planning tight timelines around April or early May.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp the northern section?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed on National Grasslands sections managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a 16-day stay limit — no fee, no reservation. Check fs.usda.gov for current closures before you go.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The biggest challenge isn't technical obstacles — it's the gumbo clay surface after any rainfall, which becomes dangerously slick and will bog down unprepared vehicles fast. The creek crossings can also run higher in spring; nothing extreme in dry conditions, but scout before you commit.
How far is the nearest gas station and is there any water on the trail?
Watford City is your last reliable fuel stop before heading out — fill up, don't gamble on fumes in 35 miles of remote badlands. There is no treated water on the trail; bring everything you need or filter from creek crossings, which can be silty and should be treated before drinking.
Trail track
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