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Coal Vein Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 3.8 (13)
  1. Areas
  2. ND
  3. …Western N. Dakota
  4. …Theodore Roosevelt National Park
  5. South Unit
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“This is a short interpretive trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a brochure available at the trailhead. ”

Karen Ryberg
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Map Key

0.8

Miles

1.2

KM

Loop

2,506' 764 m

High

2,477' 755 m

Low

45' 14 m

Up

46' 14 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids can definitely handle this trail's manageable grades and short length.

Description

An exposed coal vein along this trail caught fire and burned slowly for 26 years, hence the name of the trail. The vein is no longer burning, but the trail remains. Brochures are available at the trailhead, and information in the brochure matches numbered markers along the trail that are used to point out the geology and ecology of the area. This trail does have some steep sections and stairs, but there is a cutoff that skips most of the steeper parts. It is not handicapped-accessible because of stairs shortly after the start. The trail is not particularly spectacular or interesting for serious hikers, but it makes for a nice stop in the park for families and others that want shorter options.

Flora & Fauna

Rocky mountain juniper, prairie grasses, wildflowers, and bison are abundant in the area.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Theodore Roosevelt

Shared By:

Karen Ryberg
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 13 votes

#8

in South Unit

#11189

Overall
  3.8 from 13 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
23%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#8

in South Unit

#28

in North Dakota

#11,189

Overall
5 Views Last Month
943 Since Sep 9, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
8%
33%
58%
0%
0%
0%
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Photos

Enjoy great views from the Coal Vein Trail.
Apr 27, 2017 near Medora, ND

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Sep 3, 2023
Brian L
Jul 25, 2023
David Hitchcock
Some nice views at certain points of the trail. Appears to be lots of social use trails.
Jul 18, 2023
Michael Schulz
Jul 20, 2022
Tedi Stoe
Jun 22, 2022
John Eversmeyer
1mi — 0h 32m
Jun 19, 2022
Alicia Stellmacher
Saw a very fresh bison pile along the trail, but no wildlife. 1mi — 0h 34m
Oct 18, 2021
Carla Studer
Sep 6, 2020
Elizabeth Danula
This was Craig's favorite 0.8mi

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