North Dakota has many beautiful hikes through the trees all across the state. They definitely prove the stereotype that this state is treeless wrong! In fact, not only does North Dakota have plenty of trees and forests, it also has one of the largest petrified forests in the entire country. Luckily for us there is a hiking trail right through it that will take you on a journey to see these prehistoric trees from millions of years ago. It is one of the most unique trails in the entire state, and you’ll want to experience it.

The unusual rocky landscape in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, North Dakota might just draw your eye with the caprocks and buttes, but it's the rugged rocks strewn across the ground that you really want to pay attention to.
parksvisitor/Tripadvisor
Those formations are actually petrified wood, and this trail will take you right through one of the largest petrified forests in all of America. It is a 1- mile loop leading through this prehistoric forest out in the beautiful badlands.
warrenville111/Tripadvisor
Most of the ancient trees are stumps that were mineralized over millions of years after being covered in sediment. Over time, erosion has revealed their rocky forms to where we can see them today.
Xylina Blanco/Alltrails
Don't be fooled by some of the photos into thinking they are just small little tree stumps; these things are absolutely massive:
Nicholas/Google

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It is believed that these are remnants of a ginormous forest that once stood in the region are 55-67 million years old. Wow!
Exploring Curiously/Tripadvisor
The trees aren't the only great part of the Petrified Forest Trail. The loop will take you to gorgeous views of the badlands, from meadows to valleys filled with the trees of today.
Mike C/Tripadvisor
Don't be surprised if you come across bison or pronghorns while exploring the area. They walk among the petrified trees, too.
Chris Goodrich/Alltrails
There are few other places you can experience walking through a petrified forest as large as North Dakota's. It's an amazing one-of-a-kind experience.
sonybalony/Tripadvisor

The Petrified Forest Loop is located in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, North Dakota. For more information on the trail and other trails in the park, click here.

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