Our Stories
New Maps: North Dakota
If you haven’t hiked in North Dakota you’re missing out!
We’ve released revised editions of our North Dakota map series. These maps cover the NCT as it works its way across 432 miles in North Dakota. The NCT in North Dakota traverses large tracts of grasslands, wetlands and working agricultural landscapes. This unique region stands apart from the other sections of the NCT and is a “must” experience, part of our nation’s northern fabric.
The map set for Western North Dakota covers 19.5 miles. As this area is the Western Terminus of the NCT, it is often visited by folks looking to hike the western end (or start) of the Trail. Starting with just under two miles of off-road trail in Lake Sakakawea State Park, these maps cover mostly on-road sections of the Trail until the NCT joins the McClusky Canal.
Starting with map ND-005, the Central North Dakota map set covers 222.5 miles along the McClusky and New Rockford Canals, as well as the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area.
The Southeastern North Dakota map set covers 190 miles. With map ND-051, the Trail starts to head towards Lake Ashtabula, which is managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. “Lake Ash” is highly scenic with plenty of backpacking infrastructure. From here the Trail continues to Valley City, and then on to a number of off-road sections on both public lands and easements. Hikers coming from the west will experience one last grand finale before crossing into Minnesota, as they work their way across the Sheyenne National Grasslands and on to Fort Abercrombie.
These maps continue to be available as no-cost digital downloads. The PDF files can be printed at home as well as used on a mobile device with the Avenza App. The maps are made at a scale that is built for on-trail navigation: one inch equals a half-mile. The numbered mileage index shown on these maps allows you to easily estimate mileages along the Trail. Additionally, by loading the digital version of the mileage index on a GPS receiver, you can use the numbered index to relate your location from the GPS receiver back to the maps.
You can find these maps and others at northcountrytrail.