Mountain Biking
Medora and the surrounding Badlands offer some of the best mountain biking in the United States. With sweeping views, rugged terrain, and the world-renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail, riders of all skill levels will find an unforgettable experience here. Whether you’re a casual rider looking for a short scenic loop or a seasoned cyclist seeking a multi-day adventure, Medora is your gateway to riding through the heart of Theodore Roosevelt’s country.
What to Know Before You Go
- Season: The biking season typically runs from late spring through fall. Summers can be hot, and weather can change quickly, so plan accordingly.
- Terrain: Expect challenging climbs, singletrack, prairie stretches, and technical sections through the Badlands.
- Preparation: Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and tools for basic bike repair. Cell service is limited on the trail.
- Respect the Land: The Badlands are fragile — stay on designated trails and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Bike Rentals
If you’re looking to ride the trails but don’t have your own gear, Dakota Cyclery in Medora has you covered. A locally owned and operated shop, they’ve been serving riders in the Badlands for decades and are the go-to source for everything mountain biking.
What They Offer
- Bike Rentals: High-quality mountain bikes sized and fitted to you, ready for the Maah Daah Hey Trail or in-town rides.
- Gear & Supplies: Helmets, repair kits, and trail essentials available for rent or purchase.
- Shuttle Services: Transport for riders and bikes to trailheads, making point-to-point trips or one-way adventures easy.
- Expert Advice: As one of the first bike shops to promote riding the Maah Daah Hey, Dakota Cyclery’s staff know the trail better than anyone and are eager to help riders of all levels.
Trail Access
The Maah Daah Hey Trail stretches for 144 miles across the rugged North Dakota Badlands, and Medora is one of the most popular and convenient entry points.
Key Access Points Near Medora
- Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Trailhead (opening 2026): The Library will feature its own trailhead connecting directly to the Maah Daah Hey, making it an ideal launch point for exploring the Badlands on two wheels. Visitors will be able to pair a ride with time at the Library or its surrounding trail system.
- Medora Trailhead: Just minutes from downtown, this trailhead gives riders immediate access to sweeping Badlands scenery and well-marked routes.
- Buffalo Gap Campground: Located southeast of town, this access point is ideal for those starting overnight rides or linking into longer sections of the trail.
- Sully Creek State Park: Another nearby entry, perfect for both day rides and staging multi-day trips with camping facilities available.
Ride Options
From Medora, riders can take short out-and-back rides to experience the trail’s unique landscape or embark on extended journeys north or south. With options for all levels, the trail is equally suited for beginners wanting a taste of Badlands singletrack and seasoned riders planning multi-day treks.
Tips for Riders
- Trails are well-marked, but carrying a map or GPS is highly recommended.
- Parking is available at main trailheads.
- Summer conditions can be hot and dry — pack extra water.
Trail Rules
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a shared-use, non-motorized trail designed to preserve the unique beauty of the Badlands while offering unforgettable outdoor experiences. To keep it safe and enjoyable for all, please follow these rules and guidelines:
- Allowed Uses: Open to mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.
- Yielding:
- Bikers yield to hikers and horseback riders.
- Hikers yield to horseback riders.
- No Motorized Vehicles: ATVs, dirt bikes, and other motorized transport are prohibited.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, minimize impact, and respect the fragile ecosystem.
- Camping: Allowed only in designated areas. Fires are restricted to established fire rings where permitted.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance; never feed or disturb them.
- Trail Conditions: Avoid riding or hiking on muddy trails to prevent long-term damage.
Why It Matters
Following these rules ensures that the Maah Daah Hey remains one of America’s premier long-distance singletrack trails, preserved for future generations of riders, hikers, and explorers.
AllTrails Routes
For those planning their ride, AllTrails is an excellent resource to explore segments of the Maah Daah Hey Trail. With detailed maps, GPS guidance, and rider reviews, it helps you match your adventure to your skill level and time.
Popular Routes Near Medora
- Medora Out-and-Back (Beginner): A shorter, family-friendly ride starting at the Medora Trailhead. Perfect for those who want a quick taste of the Badlands without committing to a long trek.
- Sully Creek to Medora (Intermediate): A scenic stretch that rolls through grasslands and buttes, offering moderate climbs and rewarding views.
- Buffalo Gap to TR Library (Advanced): A longer ride that connects one of the southern access points to the upcoming Library Trailhead, offering a full day’s adventure with dramatic vistas.
Why Use AllTrails
- Download maps for offline use — essential since cell service is limited.
- Read recent trail reports to check conditions before you go.
- Customize your ride length, elevation, and route based on real-time feedback.
Pro Tip: Always download maps ahead of time. The Badlands are vast, and trail markers, while reliable, aren’t a substitute for GPS navigation.
Maah Daah Hey 100
The Maah Daah Hey 100 is the crown jewel of mountain biking in the Badlands. Held each summer, this endurance race draws riders from across the country to test themselves against 100 miles of rugged singletrack, sweeping vistas, and challenging climbs.
Race Details
- Distances: The signature 100-mile course, plus shorter options (25, 50, and 75 miles) for riders seeking a challenge that matches their experience.
- Scenery: Riders traverse some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Great Plains, including towering buttes, rolling prairies, and winding Badlands canyons.
- Community: Known for its supportive and adventurous spirit, the event blends competition with camaraderie, celebrating every rider who takes on the trail.
Why It’s Special
The Maah Daah Hey 100 isn’t just a race — it’s a test of endurance, grit, and respect for the land. Completing any distance is an accomplishment, and the experience of riding through Theodore Roosevelt’s beloved Badlands makes it unforgettable.
Learn More
Details, registration, and race updates are available through the official Maah Daah Hey 100 organizers and event website.
