Distance
1.9 miles
Campgrounds
Overview
This trail was added in the fall of 2023 to form a 1.9 mile loop trail through some of the most diverse native plant communities in the North Dakota Badlands. Marking posts and signs have not been placed on the new portion of the trail yet but the trail has been surfaced with gravel. The best way to find this loop from the Coal Creek trailhead, follow the trail down the hill to where it Ts into the trail from the campground. Turn right and travel a few more feet and turn right on the trail headed for the US Forest Service survey benchmark. Follow this trail up a slight hill past the survey benchmark then follow the trail down the hill. The trail just past the survey benchmark wonders down the hill. Stay on the trail as the trail is designed to reduce erosion from the trail. The trail will join the MDHT. At the junction with MDHT turn left and follow the MDHT trail south to the Coal Creek Trail. Turn left following the Coal Creek Trail back to the trailhead. Below is a map of the Coal Creek Loop Trail outlined in lime green.
Ideal for:
Seeing diverse native plants in the badlands setting