The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Golden Valley County
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Family friendly hiking trails in Golden Valley County traverse a diverse landscape featuring rolling prairies, rugged badlands, and riverine environments. The region is characterized by unique geological formations and expansive views, particularly within areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Hikers can explore trails that wind through vast open spaces and river valleys. The varied topography offers a range of experiences for different ability levels.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Golden Valley County
- The most popular family friendly hiking route…
Last updated: May 27, 2026
3
hikers
18.4km
04:50
150m
160m
Hike the moderate 11.4-mile Jones Creek, Lower Talkington, and Lower Paddock Loop in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, featuring badlands an
4
hikers
2.74km
00:51
110m
110m
Embark on the Pancratz Trail Loop for an easy hike that offers expansive views of Medora and the North Dakota Badlands. This route covers 1.7 miles (2.7 km) with an…
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1
hikers
18.3km
04:56
240m
240m
Hike the moderate 11.4-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail in Sully Creek State Park, featuring Badlands scenery and unique geological formations.
3.15km
00:48
10m
10m
Step onto the Chimney Park Path and experience the rugged, picturesque badlands of Medora. This easy 2.0 miles (3.2 km) route is a paved multi-use trail, perfect for a relaxed…
14
hikers
14.7km
03:54
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
Cottonwood Campground is a fantastic spot, with shaded sites beneath mature cottonwoods and sweeping views of the surrounding badlands near the South Unit entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It offers 76 sites—some reservable, others first-come, first-served—with flush toilets, potable water (seasonal), and a group site. During peak season (May 1–Sept 30), the nightly rate is $20; in the off-season (Oct 1–Apr 30), first-come, first-served sites are available for $10, making it a scenic and affordable overnight for Maah Daah Hey Trail hikers looking to regroup or explore nearby park highlights. **You can reserve a spot here: https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/cottonwood-campground.htm, which also lists site availability and additional fee details.
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The Pancratz Trail is a short loop path that takes you up a butte for a beautiful view onto the town of Medora and the North Dakota Badlands. There is a bench at the viewing point, so it is a great place for a break to take in the wonderful vistas.
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Sully Creek State Park is located in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands and on the banks of the Little Missouri River. The park is a popular spot for running and hiking, as well as biking, picnicking and canoeing on the river.
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Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 144-mile trail that runs through some of the most breathtaking scenery in North Dakota. The section after Medora is a particularly beautiful part that goes through the North Dakota Badlands with views onto Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
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Chimney Park Path is a short, paved out-and-back trail that leaves out of Medora along Pacific Avenue. This trail is a great way to enjoy some of the views of Theodore Roosevelt National Park from outside of the park. Despite being so close to the road and to town, wildlife spotting is common along this trail.
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The Ekblom Trail is a short connecting trail between the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Big Plateau Trail. It is often used in a hiking loop with Big Plateau Trail and Lone Tree Spring Trail. There is a creek crossing involved and from the nearby parking lot a river crossing (Little Missouri River). Talk to the staff at the visitor center if it's safe to cross when you are here.
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Jones Creek Trail is a fairly easy hiking trail with little to no elevation changes. This doesn't mean it's not worth the hike. Surrounded by and weaving through the iconic Theodore Roosevelt National Park Buttes, and following Jones Creek there are plenty of interesting sights to see.
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Lower Talkington Trail connects the Lower Paddock Creek-, Upper Talkington-, and Jones Creek Trails, but it's much more than a connection trail. It offers incredible Badlands views and if you are lucky a herd of bison or other wildlife.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Golden Valley County?
Golden Valley County offers a selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with four routes specifically curated for this guide. These include both easy strolls and more moderate adventures suitable for families.
What types of landscapes can we expect on family hikes in Golden Valley County?
You'll encounter a diverse range of landscapes. Many trails wind through vast rolling prairies, while others offer glimpses of rugged badlands terrain, especially near areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Some routes also feature riverine environments along the Musselshell River system, providing varied scenery for your family's adventure.
Are there any easy, shorter trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, there are a couple of easy and shorter options perfect for families with young children. The Pancratz Trail Loop is an easy 2.7 km route, and the Chimney Park Path is another easy option at 3.1 km, both offering pleasant walks without significant elevation changes.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Golden Valley County?
Spring and fall are generally ideal for family hiking in Golden Valley County. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and the chance to see wildflowers, while fall offers cooler weather and beautiful seasonal colors. Summer can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are best if hiking during that season.
Are there any longer, more adventurous family-friendly hikes?
For families looking for a longer adventure, the Jones Creek, Lower Talkington, and Lower Paddock Loop is a moderate 18.4 km trail. Another excellent moderate option is the Big Plateau Trail – Cottonwood Campground loop, which covers about 14.7 km and offers expansive views.
Can we expect to see any interesting natural features or landmarks on these trails?
Many trails in Golden Valley County offer unique natural features. For instance, routes within or near Theodore Roosevelt National Park provide opportunities to see distinctive badlands formations. The region is also known for its rolling prairies and river valleys, and in spring, you might spot various wildflowers along the paths.
Are there any loop trails suitable for families?
Yes, several trails in this guide are loops, which are often convenient for families. The Pancratz Trail Loop is an easy circular route, and for a more challenging option, the Jones Creek, Lower Talkington, and Lower Paddock Loop also provides a full circular experience.
What is the general difficulty level of family hikes in Golden Valley County?
The family-friendly hikes in Golden Valley County range from easy to moderate. You'll find two easy trails, perfect for a relaxed outing, and two moderate trails for families seeking a bit more challenge and distance. There are no difficult trails included in this family-focused selection.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in this area?
The komoot community has rated the family-friendly trails in Golden Valley County positively, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Hikers often appreciate the natural beauty and the variety of terrain, making for enjoyable outings with children.
Is there a section of the famous Maah Daah Hey Trail that is suitable for families?
While the full Maah Daah Hey Trail is quite long, a section of it, specifically the Maah Daah Hey Trail included in this guide, offers a moderate 18.3 km experience. This segment allows families to experience a part of this renowned trail, traversing prairie and badlands landscapes.
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