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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 9: Clinker
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No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
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 clinker is one of the hardest rocks in the badlands, it functions as a caprock atop many buttes.
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…
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 7: Burn Out
~0 min drive
Just ahead and to the right is where the coal vein fire burned out after 26 years (1951-1977). Visitors could see smoke, glowing coals, and sometimes flames. They even roasted marshmallows over the fire! <hr /><strong>Caution! Steep cliff edges ahead.</strong>
Buffalo Gap Loop
~23 min drive
Easy 2.68-mile loop through North Dakota's scenic Buffalo Gap area.
Maah Daah Hey - North Dakota
~1h drive
Point-to-point badlands trail featuring dramatic formations and 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…
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.