7 - North Dakota
Visitors to the trail in North Dakota will experience the vastness of the northern prairies. There are two rather long segments of certified trail - a 25-mile segment crossing the Sheyenne NG near Lisbon, and a 147-mile segment following the New Rockford and McCluskey Canal corridors. The long segment begins 1-mile east of Hwy 281 (near New Rockford) and ends at the eastern shore of Lake Audubon -crossing the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area near Harvey. Along either of these segments, one can see native grasses and forbs and sight great flocks of geese, ducks and sandhill cranes as they migrate. Grazing is a legitimate use in the Sheyenne NG so cattle will probably be encountered in this area.

The trail through Lonetree will probably be the area where one is most likely to feel that they are experiencing the prairie as it was when the pioneers passed through -cattle grazing is not allowed. As much as 70 percent of the 30,000-acre area may eventually be restored to native prairie. The trail passes near booming grounds for prairie chicken and sharptail grouse so the trail user may have a unique opportunity to observe or hear these birds. However, one should use extra caution to not disturb them during mating season.

Permit Information
No permit needed.

Directions
This section of the trail traverses throughout the state of North Dakota.

Information Center
For information about the segment of the trail through Lonetree Wildlife Management Area, contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Lonetree Wildlife Management Area, RR2 - Box 32, Harvey, ND, 58341.

Activities