North Country Trail: Lonetree WMA Valley View Hike

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Hike 2.5 miles out on the North Country Trail across native grasslands between two roads within North Dakota's Lonetree Wildlife Management Area (the state's largest WMA). The hike offers great vistas up and down the Sheyenne River's narrow valley and glimpses of virgin prairie and tons of wildlife.

No designated parking, but room to pull off at the northern end. As an alternative to hiking this section as an out-and-back, one could stash a bike at the southern end to return via 16th St NE and 26th Ave NE or arrange a shuttle pick-up.

This hike is a gentle, mowed prairie grass trail that traverses mostly virgin prairie but may feature some short, wet sections. The NCT is marked with yellow Carsonite posts displaying the NCT emblem and is mowed annually (usually by the end of July).

Free camping is allowed at Faul Campground, which is located 3.8 miles west of the hike start. It features tent sites, pit toilets, fire rings, and water pumps.

HikerS will encounter a variety of grassland wildlife and may even spot a moose.