Theodore Roosevelt National Park · North Dakota

Buckhorn Trail

11 mi of trail, end to end · about 1,000 ft of climbing · 1,955 ft–2,464 ft

Exhibits

1,975 ft 2,013 ft · 7.5 mi high 2,461 ft

Along the way Wayside Exhibit - "Cannon Ball Concretions" Wayside Exhibit - "Longhorns" Wayside Exhibit - "Trail Information"

Trailheads Buckhorn Trail Trailhead 1,975 ft Drive there · Cannonball Concretions Trailhead 1,972 ft Drive there

Explore the Cannonball Concretions the Park Service's write-up

5-15 Minutes · no dogs · season Weather conditions may cause unstable or slippery conditions. Check with a ranger for current conditions.

Start Cannonball Concretion Pullout

Several large round rocks eroded out of the side of a butte. The sky above the butte is cloudy blue.
Cannonball Concretions Photo: NPS Photo/J. Zylland

Driving the North Unit Scenic Drive, the cannonball concretions can be an arresting sight. These large, round rocks don't seem to fit with the rest of the landscape. Stop at this pullout and explore their mysteries!

Hikers can also access the 11.4 mile Buckhorn trail at this pullout. Proper hiking gear, water, and sun protection are recommended.

It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.

It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.

Accessibility A sidewalk provides accessible viewing of the cannonball concretions and of an interpretive exhibit. The cannonball concretions are located in an unpaved area which may include uneven ground and potential slip hazards. Proper footwear is recommended. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

This hike on nps.gov

Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail the Park Service's write-up

30-45 Minutes · no dogs · season Trail conditions may be dangerous or slippery due to inclement weather. Speak to a ranger for more details.

Start Little Mo Nature Trail trailhead

A paved trail leads to a bridge over a creek. A picnic shelter is seen behind some trees.
Little Mo Nature Trail Photo: NPS Photo

The Little Mo Nature Trail offers a different look at the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Winding along the river, where the harsh badlands transform into lush greenery, the trail includes stops where visitors can read from a free guide to learn more about the park. The trail is a 0.7 mile paved loop, with an additional 0.7 mile section of unpaved trail.

Proper footwear is recommended.

It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well.

It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.

Accessibility The Little Mo Nature Trail is approximately five feet wide and has a 0.7 mile paved inner loop and an additional 0.7 mile outer loop that has unpaved sections and steep stairs. The trail may contain uneven footing and slip or trip hazards. Proper footwear is recommended. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

This hike on nps.gov

Hiking in the North Unit the Park Service's write-up

no dogs · season The park is open year-round. However, hiking when the ground is wet can be dangerous; prepare for bentonite clay to be extreme mud if wet (sticky and slick).

Start Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit

Landscape view of dramatic Badlands with prominent coal seam.

Trail and Information Guide

Known for its dramatic scenery and wilderness character, hiking trails in the North Unit offer opportunities for solitude and discovery.

From paved nature trails to rugged backcountry trails, there are many options to fit all levels of hikers.

Are you a nature enthusiast looking for a casual hike to learn more about the park’s resources? Try one of the park’s short nature trails!

Maybe you’re looking for an adventurous wilderness experience? Explore options for backcountry trails that traverse rugged badlands terrain.

Pets Pets are not allowed on trails. Pets can only be on 6 foot leashes where cars can go; roadway, scenic pulloffs, and picnic areas/campgrounds.

Accessibility The Little Mo Nature Trail under Nature Trails Tile below is an accessible trail.

This hike on nps.gov

All 34 trails in Theodore Roosevelt National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.