Early Fall North Dakota Outdoor Adventures

While North Dakota may be covered in snow soon, that doesn’t mean you don’t still have time to enjoy a few outdoor adventures in the state before the weather turns.

Try hiking the state’s versatile landscapes. Pipestem Creek Trail in Jamestown offers 8 miles of trails you can explore on bike or foot, enjoying prairie views. If you’d like to head to the woods, take a hike in Turtle Mountain State Forest, near Bottineau. If you’d rather see the scenery from the comfort of your car, Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway is also worth exploring.

For a little fall boating and fishing, try Lake Sakakawea, 180 miles long and the 12^th-largest lake in the country by surface area. Other places to paddle include Pembina Gorge, a 12,500-acre recreation area that not only offers paddling, but also ATVing; biking; horseback riding; kayaking; and, in the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife; there are more than 20 animal species on display. If you happen to arrive a little later in the season, no worries — you’ll be treated to some great fall foliage.