Maah Daah Hey Trail Once Upon A Time In The West-Biking The Badlands. The 96 miles long Maah Daah Hey trail starts at the Sully Creek State Park, just south of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park goes through the South Unit, then north through the Little Missouri River National Grasslands up to the North Unit of the National Park. The trail is open throughout the year and passes through some of the most scenic and rugged areas of the Little Missouri Badlands, and part of the Little Missouri National Grasslands. The Lakota Sioux who hunted the area during summer months named the area; “Mako Sica,” for good reason. Water is scarce here, the terrain is rough, and it is easy for those not familiar with the countryside to get lost. It can be very hot in the summer, freezing cold in the winter months, and the frequent thunderstorms seem fiercer and the blizzards colder and longer here than in many more populated areas of the state. The scenery however is spectacular, in its own way, the wildlife is plentiful, and the geology and palaeontology are equally fascinating. The ride tops out on eroded ridges, then races down the canyons and drops through forested coulees or across grassy hills or valleys. Not yet as popular as other world class trails because of its remote location North you get is a good mix of demanding, technical single track across the rugged badlands and easy cruising along flat, grassy tablelands. The trail is well marked with wooden “turtle” posts and is very easy to follow (The turtle was selected for the trail because, like those who lived and hunted the Badlands, it is determined, patient, steadfast, and courageous). When you leave Sully Creek Park and you have paid the park entrance fee the trail passes through the South Unit of the National Park and you may see herds of wild bison and feral horses, as well as antelope, prairie dogs, mule deer, and elk. Bird life includes both bald and golden eagles, as well as prairie falcons and the odd vulture. Pheasants and grouse are often spotted as well. The carnivores in the park include the coyote, cougar and bobcat. The Maah Daah Hey Trail provides a wonderful chance to view the natural wonders of the terrain has been shaped by generations of erosion from wind, water, fire, and the Little Missouri. The buttes and slopes of the Badlands reveal colorful layers of rock and the area called Painted Canyon inside the South Unit is a very good example and a good place to take a break. The area is home to Big Sage, American elm, Skunk bush, and Chokecherry as well as flowering herbs like the Aromatic Aster, Red Globe Mallow, and Indian paintbrush. Trees include Cottonwood, Green Ash and Rocky Mountain Juniper. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on any part of the trail, and mountain bikes are not allowed on the part of the trail that passes through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Bikers must take
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the alternate Buffalo Gap trail but this is no hardship since the trail is ideal for biking. The first campground you reach is the Wannagan campsite (no fee and open from April through October, which has 8 camping units, picnic tables, fire rings, and drinkable water. All bikers should be carrying enough water to meet their needs for their entire trip, as potable water is rare along the trail. About 20 miles further north, is the Elkhorn Campsite, located in a scenic area of the Badlands with 9 camping units and access to potable water. This Campsite can be reached by road (28 miles north of Interstate 94 from the Camel Hump Lake exit.) The camp nearby the Elkhorn Ranch built by Theodore Roosevelt offers primitive (no electricity) camping and facilities for canoeing on the Little Missouri River. The Buffalo Gap campground (with a modest camping fee) just off the alternate route has paved access and coin-operated showers. Take time to visit the historic town of Medora just few minutes north of the Buffalo Gap camp ground and named for the wife of the French Marquis de Mores, who founded the town in 1883. The Maah Daah Hey is a unique trail experience for adventurous mountain bikers who are prepared to rough it and offers a ride that you will remember for a very long time.
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