Trail: Maah Daah Hey
National Park: USDA Forest Service
Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Creek(s)
Geological feature(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Meadow(s)
River(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Spring(s)/geyser(s)
Swimming area(s)
Valley(s)/canyon(s)
Activities: Bicycling (any)
Bicycling - Mountain
Camping
Camping - Backpacking
Dogs - Mushing
Dogs - On leash
Equestrian - riding
Equestrian - pack trips
Equestrian - other stock
Fishing
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Shooting - Archery
Snow - Skiing, cross-country
Snow - Showshoeing
Wildlife observation - Birds
Motorized vehicles - Snowmobiling
Hunting (any)
Hunting - Archery
Hunting - Big game
Hunting - Bird
Hunting - Small game
Land sailing
Rock climbing
Rockhounding
Snow - Snow play, general
Elevation: 2700 ft
Miles: 96 miles
Desc: The term ‘Maah-Daah-Hey’ comes from the Mandan Indian language meaning ‘Grandfather’ and the trail symbol of a ‘Turtle’ comes from the Lakota Indians meaning long life, and patience. The MDH Trail came into being as a three-partner effort with the North Dakota State Park and Recreation Dept., Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) and the United States Forest Service (FS). Construction of the 96 mile long MDHT started in 1995 and was completed in 1999. The trail traverses the ‘Badlands’ of southwestern North Dakota, of which, 77 miles are in the Little Missouri National Grasslands (LMNG), 11 miles in the TRNP, 6 miles through State Lands and 2 miles through private lands. This area is full of unique geological formations and cultural resources. Native Americans used the area for annual hunting trips from the surrounding prairie. The MDH Trail passes by Theodore Roosevelts ‘Elkhorn Ranch’ site on the Little Missouri River as well as General Sullys Trail and the CCC Historical Site. The trail was purposely located away from the roads, oil wells, and other impacts of civilization. The trail lies lightly on the land and the grade was kept to 8% over most of the location. This was done to keep maintenance at a minimum, while providing an excellent experience for a variety of users.
Since its inception, the MDHT has become recognized as a premier non-motorized trail and has been featured in many national publications. The FS has groups volunteering to adopt portions of the trail and the MDHT Association was formed to help maintain the trail. Other volunteer groups include the International Mountain Bike Association, which hosted an ‘Epic Ride’ in 2001. The MDHT is the backbone of our recreation program on the LMNG, 4 new campgrounds were constructed along the trail and 2 others were upgraded to provide for the needs of our growing number of trail users. The partnerships forged during the development of the trail continue today. The FS receives funds from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the State Park and Rec. Dept. augmenting our trail maintenance program.