North Dakota Hike Fest

The three North Dakota Chapters of the North Country Trail Association have united to invite outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and NCTA members to join us in exploring the Trail in our state. Hike Fest Quest

Wednesday August 20th on the Dakota Prairie Chapter: link to map 

• Morning hike: The hike will start at the Berg Trailhead at 9:30 am. The hike will go through the Berg property ending at the road at the south end of property where hikers will be shuttled back to the Berg Trailhead. The Berg overlook will be included. The hike will cover 3.5 miles and is considered an easy hike. There is one developed rest stop in the middle of the hike with a primitive toilet. The upper limit for the hike will be 90 hikers which will be split into at least three groups. There is enough parking for up to 90 hikers. Registration link
• Afternoon hike: The hike will go through the savanna and sandhills landscapes of North Dakota including the Sheyenne National Grasslands. The hike starts at 1:30 pm and will go for 6 miles over gentle terrain crossing several fence stiles. You will park at the Sheyenne Grasslands East Trailhead/Jorgen’s Hollow Campground and then be shuttled to the start at the Ekre Trailhead. There is one developed rest stop in the middle of the hike with a primitive toilet. The upper limit for the hike will be 90 hikers which will be split into at least three groups. Registration link
• Evening brat picnic: After the end of the hike, approximately 5 pm, a free will donation brat picnic will occur at the Jorgan’s Hollow Campground where you parked for the afternoon hike. The picnic will feature grilled brats, coleslaw, and other snacks. Water and sports drinks will be provided. Registration link

Thursday August 21 on the Sheyenne River Valley Chapter link to map

• Sheyenne State Forest hikes: hikes start at 10:00 am and will finish by 3:00 pm. You have the option of doing hikes of 1.5 miles, 5.4 miles, or both (total 6.9 miles) plus an additional .5 mile bonus hike. Parking and start of the hikes are at 6290 122nd Ave SE, Fort Ransom, ND 58033-9704 (GPS 46.501831, -97.869598). Parking lot size 30 cars with no other transportation available. Max # of hikers is 90.

Description: This hike offers several options. Registration link

• Meal/Gathering/Bonfire: This event will start at 5:00 pm and conclude at 9:00 pm. The location is at the Thrill Hills-270 Mill Rd, Fort Ransom, ND 58033. The meal will be $16 per plate payable at the venue. Menu: choice of roast beef & pork loin sandwiches with pickles, potato salad/chips, beans, cookies or bars, soft drink, water or lemonade, and condiments. During the meal there will be a bonfire, socializing, and drink bar available. Registration link

Friday August 22 on the Flyway Chapter link to map

• Sunset Hike along the bluffs of Lake Sakakawea. Experience the beauty of Lake Sakakawea! Meet at the Overlook parking lot at 6:00 PM CDT just west of the spillway bridge, look for signs. The 3-mile hike (one way) will be along the bluffs of Lake Sakakawea and the open prairies. Following the hike, folks are invited to join hikers for s’mores and a hopeful spectacular sunset on the shores of Lake Sakakawea at Lake Sakakawea State Park. Daily Park entrance fees are $8. Park camping reservations link, Hike Fest reserved camping sites will be held until July 14 when they will be opened to everyone. Registration link

Saturday August 23 on the Flyway Chapter, North Country Trail Terminus link to map

• Morning hike at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge: Meet at the Wildlife Education building at the refuge (twenty minute drive from Riverdale and state park) at 8:30 AM for morning coffee and introduction to the history of the refuge. Join fellow morning hikers for a hike through the native prairies of the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge with the options of a 2-mile (one way) or a 4-mile hike (one way). A shuttle service will be available for transportation back to the Wildlife Education building for either hike. Registration link
• GRAND FINALE: Hike to the Western Terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail—two hike options available. One hike is from the SE boundary of the state park (at the gateway arch) to western terminus (2 miles one way). The other hike is a 4.5 mile hike (one-way) from the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery to the western terminus. Meet at Lake Sakakawea State Park by 12:30 PM for shuttle service to the start points for both hikes. Finish at the western terminus for celebration and photo opportunities! Celebrate the conclusion of Hike Fest with a picnic and entertainment at the shelter at Lake Sakakawea State Park. Menu of pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, watermelon, dessert bars and lemonade. $12 per person. Registration link

Questions: [email protected]; Link to the Hike Fest FAQ 

Note: Meal menus are limited so only basic dietary needs can be accommodated; we appreciate your understanding.