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North Dakota
0.8 mi
Distance
112 ft
Gain
19 min
Time
Weather is marginal
1 factor · 1 source
Observed 10 h ago
caution: Weather
Rain, high 58°F / low 55°F, 100% precip — 64/100 for hike
OpenWeather10 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Why you'll love it
Coal Vein Trail Post 6: Seasonal Pool
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
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 the chirping of the male chorus frogs near seasonal pools from April to June.
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.
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 9: Clinker
~0 min drive
Feel the red rock next to the post. It is locally called scoria, but its true name is clinker. Clinker is created when a burning coal seam bakes the rock layer above it. Baking rock is like putting clay into a kiln to make pottery - the rock hardens as it bakes. Because clinke…
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.
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.
Bennett
~1h 7m drive
6.12-mile out-and-back prairie hike near Bennett, North Dakota.
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