Coal Vein Trail Post 7: Burn Out

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…

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 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…

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.