Near Oak Leaf Loop Trail
Hiking along the Oak Leaf Loop Trail.
Near Oak Leaf Loop Trail
The cows seem okay with humans. We did encounter a few standing/laying on the actual trail itself, which was a little tense (they're big!), but we walked around and didn't interact with them, and they left us alone.
Near Oak Leaf Loop Trail
On the Oak Leaf Trail not far from the trailhead.
Near Oak Leaf Loop Trail
Sunlight through the trees on the Oak Leaf Trail
Near Oak Leaf Loop Trail
Toward a lone tree on the prairie.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Oak Leaf Loop Trail

4.1 (7 Ratings)
A family-friendly 4-mile loop trail leading through the oak savanna and tallgrass prairie.
4
mi
Distance
60
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.97mi
Distance
60ft
Elevation Gain
55ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
1,074ft
High Point
1,042ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The 4-mile Oak Leaf loop trail takes the trail user through a mix of hilly oak savanna and flat, open tallgrass prairie in the Sheyenne National Grassland. Look for wooden posts marking the way along the 3' wide gravel trail tread. The landscape that the trail traverses is known locally as the "sand hills." These dunes were created from blowing sand deposited at the delta of a glacial river where it flowed into glacial Lake Agassiz. The northern portion of the loop is a part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which continues on both east and west. There will also be cattle grazing along the trail but they pose little to no risk to most visitors. Learn more here.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Matthew Davis