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North Dakota
0.8 mi
Distance
112 ft
Gain
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Why you'll love it
Coal Vein Trail Post 3: Bentonite
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No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Notice the sediment on either side of the trail. Fifty-Five million years ago, volcanoes in the Rockies spewed out ash that blew east. At that time, this area was a vast, tropical swamp. The ash settled in wet areas and became bentonite clay. <br /> <br /> Bentonite looks like popcorn when dry, but becomes sticky, slick mud when wet. It can absorb up to five times its weight in water. Known as the mineral of one thousand uses, it is used to seal landfills and ponds, to make cat litter, and much more. <hr /><strong>Stay to the left to continue on the guided nature trail. Take the right on the cutoff trail to avoid a section of trail with very steep stairs. You will rejoin the guided nature trail near post #11. </strong>
Coal Vein Trail Post 4: Caprocks
~0 min drive
Rocks in the badlands are generally soft and easily eroded by rain and streams. Some are harder than others, and become <b>caprocks</b>. A caprock acts like a helmet, shielding softer rock underneath. When the rocks underneath finally erode away, large pieces of caprock break…
Coal Creek
~20 min drive
Easy out-and-back creek walk in North Dakota.
Buffalo Gap
~23 min drive
Moderate 11.90-mile out-and-back badlands hike through scenic canyon terrain.
Ice Caves
~46 min drive
3-mile out-and-back hike to natural ice cave formations in North Dakota badlands.
Coal Vein Trail Post 10: Seasonal Stream
~0 min drive
Just ahead, stairs lead to the valley of a seasonal stream. As you descend, notice the cool, moist air against your skin. Because it is protected from the sun, this area stays moist and cool. Note the plants you see here and compare them to the plants you encountered in open g…
Buffalo Gap Loop
~23 min drive
Easy 2.68-mile loop through North Dakota's scenic Buffalo Gap area.
Maah Daah Hey - North Dakota
~60 min drive
Point-to-point badlands trail featuring dramatic formations and prairie views.
Coal Vein Trail Post 6: Seasonal Pool
~0 min drive
Low spots like this one formed when the ground collapsed during the coal vein fire. They fill with water in the wet springtime and after summer rains. These seasonal ponds are important habitats for western chorus frogs which must lay their eggs in standing water. Listen for t…
Summit Viewpoint
~1h 14m drive
Quick out-and-back hike to scenic viewpoint in North Dakota.
Cottonwood
~1h 2m drive
13.86-mile out-and-back badlands hike with expansive prairie views.