Where the Maah Daah Hey Trail Connects Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The Maah Daah Hey Trail runs from Medora to Watford City, North Dakota.
It links the north and south units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This connection lets adventurers explore some of the park’s most scenic and untouched landscapes.
Start at either end and you’ll discover rolling hills, painted cliffs, and wide-open skies.
Wildlife sightings are common—bison, prairie dogs, and eagles often appear along the trail.

The terrain shifts constantly. Expect steep climbs, twisting descents, and long, flat stretches perfect for biking or backpacking. Many trailheads and access points make it easy to plan your route. Choose a full thru-hike or a shorter day trip, each offers unforgettable views.

When to Visit the Maah Daah Hey Trail

North Dakota’s four seasons create very different experiences on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Late spring and early summer are best, with mild weather and fewer bugs.
Summer can be hot, but nights usually cool down fast, so pack layers. Winter brings snow—sometimes over 50 inches—making travel difficult but breathtaking. The trail becomes quiet and still, covered in white beauty. Spring and fall can be unpredictable, so prepare for sudden changes in temperature or weather.

Camping and Gear Essentials on the Maah Daah Hey Trail

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Outside of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, dispersed camping is allowed for a true backcountry feel. Inside the park, you’ll need a permit to camp overnight. There are also developed campgrounds for those who prefer amenities.

The landscape offers little shade, so be ready for full exposure. Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of water. A water filter is essential for longer trips. Trekking poles help on rocky terrain, and a lightweight puffy jacket keeps you warm at night.

Be aware of wildlife and insects. Rattlesnakes, ticks, and mosquitoes live here, so bring bug spray and wear long socks. Before your trip, make sure you’re ready for North Dakota’s changing weather. Check out our guide on Hiking Gear That Can Save Your Life for smart packing tips.

Logistics & Access

The Maah Daah Hey offers multiple access points and trailheads, making it flexible for shorter outings or long haul trips. For example, official maps list trailheads at the CCC Campground (north end) and Burning Coal Vein Campground (south end). Shuttle services are also available from nearby towns such as Medora, which is useful for one-way thru-hikers or cyclists. Because the trail is point-to-point, plan your transport accordingly. Also check the recent trail condition alerts on the official association site.

Water & Camp-Spacing Realities

One of the most critical logistical issues on the Maah Daah Hey is water. While nine or more developed campgrounds along the route have hand-pumped potable water (seasonal), outside of those you must treat wild sources or cache ahead. The trail’s official map lists eight designated water-cache box sites for thru-hikers. Because segments between reliable water and camps can stretch 18–25 miles, you’ll need to carry extra water, especially in hot/dry conditions. Also, note that some traditional water sources (springs, tanks) may be unreliable or non-potable.

Terrain and Difficulty Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park Badlands

The terrain on the Maah Daah Hey is wildly variable: you’ll find steep climbs and descents across bentonite clay soil, rolling prairie tops, canyon rims, and badland terrain adjacent to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park units. While many sections are rideable for experienced mountain bikers (trail is IMBA “Epic” rated) North Dakota Tourism hikers still should expect strenuous segments, and dynamic weather: high heat in summer, significant snow in winter, frequent exposure to wind and sun. For best conditions aim for late spring/early summer or early fall—these seasons provide milder weather and fewer bugs.

Mountain Biking the Maah Daah Hey Trail

Start at trailheads like the Buffalo Gap Campground (south end) or the CCC Campground (north end). These give easy vehicle access into the system. The nearby access roads are mostly gravel and suitable for standard vehicles — but high clearance helps.

Some of the most popular mountain-bike friendly sections include:

• The stretch from Buffalo Gap to Wannagan, which rides open and rolling through prairie and badlands terrain.
• The section from Elkhorn to Magpie, which features the scenic river crossing of the Little Missouri River and views from Devil’s Pass.
• The northern segment near the China Wall and Bennett Campground. This section is rugged, remote and highly scenic for experienced riders.

Important note: Bicycles are not allowed inside the boundaries of Theodore Roosevelt National Park along the trail, so make sure to use the alternative detours around the park units when biking.

Let me know if you’d like a detailed map of the key bike sections with parking coordinates for your ride.

Why the Maah Daah Hey Trail Is Worth the Journey

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is more than a physical challenge—it’s a journey through time and wilderness. Its landscapes inspired the spirit of the Old West and the vision of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Standing among the colorful buttes and endless skies, you feel history come alive.

From glowing sunsets to friendly faces in Medora, every mile tells a story.
Whether you hike, bike, or backpack, the Maah Daah Hey Trail offers adventure, solitude, and wonder.

Learn more about the Maah Daah Hey Trail and North Dakota

The post Maah Daah Hey Trail Guide: Thru-Hike North to South in Theodore Roosevelt National Park appeared first on Hazeadventure.

The Trail That Balances Beauty and Accessibility

Let’s start with the scenery. Picture yourself winding past mirror-still lochs, through storybook forests, and out onto rugged, alien hillsides that look like they belong on another planet. The West Highland Way offers hikers cinematic views and dramatic terrain, all without the brutal elevation gain found on other world-class trails.

What Makes the Scotland West Highland Way Special

The West Highland Way is a hotspot for tourists, and a rite of passage for locals – meaning that the trail is well maintained. Expect rolling hills instead of steep climbs. Some areas are more popular—like around Loch Lomond—but if you venture even a few miles off, you’ll often find yourself totally alone in the wilderness.

That balance between social and solitude is what makes it such a great trek. When you're heading into remote areas, especially in another country, its important to prep for more than just the trail. Read more about some travel safety tips.

Freedom on the Trail

One of the things that really makes hiking in Scotland unique is that trails often cross private land, including working farms full of cows, sheep, and goats—but it’s all accessible (as long as you’re respectful). It adds a surreal but beautiful layer of authenticity to the journey.

Easy and Scenic Camping

Camping is also easier than you’d expect. With the right to roam comes a fair bit of freedom, and there are designated spots along certain parts of the West Highland Way if wild camping is restricted during peak seasons. Just be sure to check regulations ahead of time and get the proper permits.

Warm Culture, Big Meals, and Sharp Wit

And then there’s the culture: the witty, sarcastic humor of the locals, the cozy pubs that are older than most U.S. cities, the massive plates of haggis (which, by the way, is delicious), and the laid-back pace of life. The people here are more than comfortable having a chat with strangers, and you'll likely find yourself involved in some hilarious conversation.

Add Scotland West Highland Way to Your Bucket List

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or new to long-distance hiking, the Scotland West Highland Way is one of those trails that doesn’t just challenge your legs—it fills your soul. You’ll walk away with stories, photos, and probably a craving for another round of haggis and a pint in a centuries-old pub.

So yeah—go to Scotland. Walk the West Highland Way. And prepare to fall in love.

The post Hiking Scotland with Macs Adventure appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Eureka Springs: A Gateway to the Ozarks

Right in the middle of Eureka Springs, you’ll find trail maps and spring guides posted on the streets. This is evidence of how much the town embraces its natural surroundings. It’s a place where nature isn’t just nearby; it’s embedded in the town itself. From historic springs to peaceful trails, this little town in the Ozarks captures the perfect blend of history, charm, and adventure.

What struck me most about Eureka Springs was how it managed to feel like a time capsule while still being full of hip shops, good coffee, and friendly locals. It’s the kind of place where you can wander from an art gallery straight into the woods.

Mountain Biking the Passion Play Trails

Arkansas is rapidly becoming known as a mountain biker's paradise. The Passion Play Trail System in Eureka Springs shows exactly why. You'll find a great mix of easier trails, flowing switchbacks, and clearly marked technical terrain for experienced riders. I had a great time picking up speed on some of the easier trails, and braking for my life on the technical descents.

It’s not just about adrenaline, though—local guides like Danny at 37 North Expeditions make the experience even richer. He offers curated outdoor adventures, from biking to paddling to hiking, and it’s clear he loves sharing the Ozarks with new visitors.

Hiking Through the Buffalo River and Big Bluff

Just a short drive from Eureka Springs lies the Buffalo National River, home to towering bluffs and vibrant forest trails. One of the highlights? Big Bluff—an iconic spot along the Buffalo River Trail, which is part of the larger Ozark Highlands Trail system.

With 270 miles of trail weaving through the Ozarks, you’ll find plenty of solitude and striking views. Fall colors, quiet caves, and playful rock formations make every step feel like part of nature’s playground.

Camping Under the Stars in the Ozarks

As the sun sets, the Buffalo National River reveals one of its best-kept secrets: it’s a certified Dark Sky Park. That means you’ll be treated to truly dark nights—perfect for stargazing.

And if you’re like me, a quick (and freezing) dip in the river is the perfect way to end a full day of adventure in the Ozarks of Arkansas.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just soaking it all in, the Ozarks offer a kind of wild, soulful beauty that’s hard to match. And Eureka Springs? It’s the heart of it all.

The post Exploring the Ozarks of Arkansas appeared first on Hazeadventure.

 I traveled to South Dakota to film an episode of Epic Trails with a tiny bit of skepticism in my heart. But that just shows how little I know about this gem.  

Badlands National Park

First, I traveled into Badlands National Park, which is popular destination with its ease of access from the freeway. I, of course, made a stop in the quirky little town of Wall.

After eating Buffalo Burgers and getting scared by the animatronic T-Rex, I wandered into the Badlands to hike the Notch Trail. The Badlands is a unique national park, not known as much for hiking as it is a drive through time and odd geology. But there is hiking! There are certified, actual trails with a maze of strange features that hikers are welcome to clamber atop as they please.  

The Notch Trail is short. And for today, that was a good thing. The skies opened up and a rare downpour drenched me. The rain quickly slid off the hard mud and formed rivulets that gathered steam and cascaded off a normally dry cliff. The peanut butter waterfall was a treat. It also meant the crowds were scared off. Double win.

Hiking the Centennial Trail

The Badlands National Park wasn’t my only reason for visiting South Dakota. I came to hike The Centennial Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Centennial Trail has incredible pocket of granite spires and pine trees. The trail is rich with surprising beauty. There is so much to explore and do here, and I was attempting to do as much as possible.  

Ballon Rides over the Black Hills

With a pre-dawn wakeup I met up with the team at Black Hills Balloons based out of the mountain town of Custer. I had never been in a hot air balloon before, so this was truly an incredible experience. In a vast grassy field covered in morning dew, the crew unpacked the massive, brightly colored balloon, we climbed inside the basket, and the burners belched their fiery breath.

With unexpected speed, the balloon filled rapidly and was lifting off the ground. Before I knew it, we had floated up hundreds of feet. It was such a strange feeling, but truly exhilarating and beautiful. As much as the flight was a delight, a seemingly effortless glide with the wind, the landing provided all the fun.

Our pilot, Don, spotted a field that looked promising for a landing, yet wasn’t a place the company had ever landed in before. We plopped into the grass like newly arrived explorers, bounced once, and then remained firmly on the ground. The farmer who owned the land came out to greet us with a friendly smile. We then celebrated the successful flight with the farmer, his neighbor, and a bottle of champagne—a tradition held since the earliest flights of ballooning.  

Rock Climbing the Black Hills of South Dakota

With all the granite around The Black Hills, of course there is spectacular rock climbing. So I met up with Sylvan Rocks Climbing, right next door to Black Hills Balloons in Custer. After gearing up at South Dakota Outdoor Shop our guides lead us through Custer State Park to get on some of the world class rock. This place feels like there should be steady lines of people waiting for the best pitches here, but it’s practically empty.

For the few climbers that have discovered the glory of climbing in The Black Hills, I expect they are, most deservedly, not excited about this place becoming a climbing mecca and prefer the quiet of not being on the popular climbing circuits. Even though I respect their wishes, I must be honest that the climbing is absolutely fantastic and set in some of the most beautiful country you could ask for.

Guides Shankar and Doug helped rig the pitch, a 120-foot classic crack in the area known as, well…Classic Crack. I promptly discovered the glory of the wonderful crack line. An incredible climb for sure but the payoff at the top is sublime—360-degree views of the Black Hills immediately behind Sylvan Lake. Our crew remained atop the pinnacle until sunset and rapped down in the dark (well guided and with headlamps).

Centennial Trail Hiking

And now for the South Dakota adventure main course, Centennial Trail. The Centennial Trail is 111-miles long and winds through the craggy Black Hills.

Created to mark the 100th anniversary of South Dakota, the Centennial Trail passes through a variety of landscapes with sections managed by Bear Butte State Park, Fort Meade Recreation Area (BLM), Black Hills National Forest, Black Elk Wilderness, Custer State Park, and Wind Cave National Park—each with its own unique features and feels. The Black Hills provide just enough elevation to be cool and inviting in the summer and are covered in green grass and pine trees. It’s a wonderful trail that is constantly changing and providing beautiful gems.

The plan was to meet up with Dan Becker, a backpacker who has built an impressive following on his YouTube channel. Together, we’d hike several sections of the 111-mile route. Dan fell in love with backpacking in his thirties and has poured his recent years into it. It’s fun to see his passion for gear and adventure. He is instantly likable and has an amiable way of moving along a trail, ready to share a story or to let the miles pass quietly.

We began at the Norbeck Trailhead, the official beginning (or end) of the Centennial Trail. Within the first 100 yards of hiking the skies opened up and we were under a massive deluge of rain. Welcome to the Black Hills!

We hiked along diverse stretches of trail suited to a variety of difficulties, encountered a buffalo who stormed out of the woods to roll in the grass, and were greeted by a cacophony of prairie dogs singing our welcome.

Hiking Custer State Park

Perhaps the grandest portion of hiking on the sections we explored lies within Custer State Park. Custer State Park was slated to be a national park until The Mount Rushmore State wisely declined.

They preferred to keep their secret gem quiet and so today, despite its popularity, it feels quite private, like you can hike and camp and explore without the swarms of crowds and busses that can be typical at national parks.

Custer State Park is home to an impressive stretch of granite that has chosen to spend its life defying gravity and pointing at the sky. The Cathedral Spires area within might be my favorite. It is a landscape a child would design with a full outpouring of imagination. Impossible looking granite needles are ready to thread the heavens above.

Bridger 55L Backpack

By now, I was becoming one with my new backpack, a beautiful new Bridger 55 liter pack from Mystery Ranch. Slowly, Dan and I make our way further north on the Centennial Trail as it passes alongside Sheridan Lake. After miles of hot hiking, Dan and I sated our thirst by refilling in the azure lake where we spotted some cliffs that looked fitting for a leap. Who are we to resist?

The Black Hills of South Dakota have become one of my favorite adventure destinations. They are inviting and friendly, just like the people, and hold more than a few surprises. Without a doubt, I’ll be back.

Special thanks to Travel South Dakota for helping make this epic adventure a possibility!

All photography courtesy of Byron Banasiak

The post Centennial Trail and Custer State Park of South Dakota appeared first on Hazeadventure.