National Roughrider trail

The backcountry of North Dakota is vast and open, with multiple spaces that are covered in dense forests, and mountainous. One of the finer places to explore southern North Dakota is the National Roughrider Trail. Despite it's name, it's not actually too rough and is pretty fun for all skill levels and hikers. With a mostly rock and dirt face, the trail stays between 4 and 5 feet in width with a few water cross overs.

When you go to hike, you'll find the entrance of the National Roughrider Trail at the Fort Rice Campground. Nuzzled along a small penninsula along the convergence of the Mississippi river into Lake Dahe, the views are extrodinary. With views of the natural beaches, water, and vast fields that back the east side of the campground, you and Fido will love the peacefulness of the area. That calming feeling lasts throughout the trail. Inside the campground there is potable water, campgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, and fire rings.

The trail itself follows along an old rail bed, staying close along the shore of the Mississippi river and Lake Dahe. On a number of places along the trail, there are rest areas that provide fishing and swimming access on the water. There are also places to camp, and rest points that cut through urban town. The trail itself was originally made for snowmobile and ATV use for motorized vehicles, but it's open for hikers and walkers and still provides an amazing place to go for a calming walk along the water.

Althouh the trail is long, there are plenty of entrances and exits along its path. Once you're at the end of the trail, you'll find a small grassy field to park your car, but that's it. Whether you hike this in one go or hike it over a number of days, you and Fido will want to complete multiple times thanks to the views, peacefulness, and fun walk along the way.