Near Ma-ak-oti Trail Loop
Winter breathes new life into the Cross Ranch State Park Interpretive Trail.
Near Ma-ak-oti Trail Loop
The Ma-ak-oti Trail Loop follows along the Missouri River.
Near Ma-ak-oti Trail Loop
Navigate this small water crossing along the Ma-ak-oti Trail Loop.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Ma-ak-oti Trail Loop

3.0 (1 Rating)
This scenic loop is a birder's delight through upland grasslands and cottonwood forest along the Missouri River.
4.1
mi
Distance
194
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekSpringViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.07mi
Distance
194ft
Elevation Gain
194ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
1,697ft
High Point
1,651ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the main parking lot near the Visitor Center, take the Interpretive Trail south past the park amphitheater. Near where the trail loops back north, take a connector trail approximately 0.1 mile south to the Ma-ak-oti Trail Upper Loop. Take the east or right side of the loop to experience a riparian environment.When the trail loops back north, instead of going north, continue south on a connector trail approximately 0.2 miles to the Ma-ak-oti Trail Lower Loop. Take the east or hiker's left side of the loop. When the trail loops back north, it will follow grasslands and offer fantastic wildlife viewing. Follow the east side of the Ma-ak-oti Trail Lower Loop back to a connector trail, then onto the Ma-ak-oti Trail Upper Loop. Take the left or west side of the loop to continue through upland grasslands. When the Ma-ak-oti Trail Upper Loop ends at the connector trail, continue 0.1 mile to the Interpretive Trail back to the parking lot.
History & Background
This is one of the last fairly undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. The park is left mostly primitive to preserve a part of the Missouri River Valley and cottonwood forest.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Karen Ryberg