North Country Trail Association

North Dakota

More than 440 miles of the North Country Trail traverse two-thirds of North Dakota.

The Trail’s route generally follows the route of the state’s longest river, the Sheyenne, from the Ekre Grassland Preserve in the east to the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area in the west. The North Country Trail is also routed along two canals and an unbuilt reservoir that are part of the Garrison Diversion Project, a federal water project designed to bring irrigation water from the Missouri River to eastern North Dakota. Most of the Trail crosses native grasslands, grazed pastures, or deciduous woodlands. About 40% temporarily follows public roads as the NCTA works with private landowners to secure access and develop new off-road segments. 

 

Explore the Trail by Region

West Central North Dakota: NCT Western Terminus in Lake Sakakawea State Park to the east end of Lonetree Wildlife Management Area

Central North Dakota: West end of New Rockford Canal to the north end of Lake Ashtabula

Southeastern North Dakota: North end of Lake Ashtabula to the North Dakota/Minnesota state line

 

Important Notes and Additional Information

+ View or download and print the North Dakota NCNST brochure

+ Suggested Hikes Fact Sheetsupdated March 2022

+ Download the North Dakota hiking maps on the Trail Maps and Downloads page

+ North Dakota Tourism

+ A vehicular entrance pass is required for North Dakota State Parks. Learn more from North Dakota Parks and Recreation

+ Dispersed camping can take place on most federal and state-owned land other than state parks

 

 

Header photo by Dove Day