The best cycling routes in Billings County

Billings County offers a selection of touring cycling routes, with seven distinct options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including one easy, two moderate, and four difficult tours, allowing cyclists to choose an adventure that suits their experience.

The best time for touring cycling in Billings County is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months. The region experiences dramatic weather changes, so checking local forecasts is always recommended. Summer offers long daylight hours, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures and often vibrant scenery. Winter cycling is possible but requires specialized gear and awareness of conditions.

Yes, Billings County has options suitable for beginners and families. An excellent choice is the Maah Daah Hey and Chimney Park Path Loop, which is an easy 4.9-mile (7.8 km) path. This route incorporates a section of the famous Maah Daah Hey Trail, offering scenic prairies and buttes without significant difficulty.

Yes, several touring cycling routes in Billings County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Maah Daah Hey and Chimney Park Path Loop is a convenient circular option. Another popular choice is the Badlands loop — Gravel, which offers a longer, more challenging circular experience through the dramatic badlands.

Touring cycling in Billings County offers diverse terrain, primarily characterized by the dramatic badlands and the expansive Little Missouri National Grassland. You'll encounter a mix of paved park roads, gravel paths, and extensive singletrack trails. Expect rolling hills, challenging climbs, and descents, especially within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, alongside flatter sections through prairies and river valleys. The region's unique geology means varied surfaces, from packed earth to clay buttes.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a premier non-motorized singletrack trail spanning 144 to 150 miles, offering breathtaking views across the badlands, carved by the Little Missouri River. Highlights include rolling prairies, clay buttes, canyons, and wooded draws. While bikes are not allowed on sections within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, alternate routes bypass these areas. The trail also features nine campgrounds, some with potable water, making it ideal for multi-day adventures. You can experience a section of it on the Maah Daah Hey and Chimney Park Path Loop.

Yes, touring cyclists can experience Theodore Roosevelt National Park by riding the 24-mile Scenic Drive in the South Unit. This paved road offers challenging climbs and unbeatable views of canyons, hoodoos, and diverse wildlife such as bison and wild horses. Biking is permitted on all park roads open to vehicular traffic, but not on trails or off-road. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park route on komoot covers a significant portion of this scenic area.

Billings County is rich in unique natural features. The Painted Canyon Overlook offers breathtaking views of colorful badlands and unique rock formations. Another fascinating site is the Burning Coal Vein in the Little Missouri National Grassland, a badlands landscape formed by a historic underground coal fire, exhibiting distinct features and columnar juniper trees. You might also encounter the Little Missouri River, which carves through the badlands.

The Long X Trail is a 5.8-mile trail that follows the Little Missouri River bottom and climbs the Long X divide, offering scenic vistas of the badlands and river. It connects to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, providing an option for cyclists to create a loop or extend their ride. Historically, it was a route used by cattlemen, passing through what is now Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

While specific regulations vary, generally, dogs are permitted on many trails in the Little Missouri National Grassland, provided they are on a leash. However, within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, pets are restricted to paved roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas, and are not allowed on trails or in park buildings. Always check specific trail regulations before bringing your dog.

The Maah Daah Hey Trail offers several amenities for cyclists, including nine designated campgrounds along its length. Some of these campgrounds provide potable water, which is crucial for multi-day tours. Trailhead entry points are also available, making it easy to access different sections of the trail. For more extensive amenities like food and lodging, the nearby town of Medora serves as a convenient base.

Billings County is home to diverse wildlife, particularly within Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Little Missouri National Grassland. Cyclists frequently spot bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. Other animals you might encounter include deer, elk, coyotes, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and be aware of your surroundings, especially when cycling through areas known for larger animals.

Parking is generally available at various trailheads and visitor centers throughout Billings County. For routes within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, parking is available at the visitor centers and along the Scenic Drive. For sections of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, designated trailheads often have parking facilities. For example, the Burning Coal Vein Campground serves as a trailhead for the Maah Daah Hey Trail and offers parking.