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Achenbach Trail
A long loop through the park's wilderness areas and crossing the Little Missouri River.
Plan Around Achenbach Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Achenbach Trail Details
The Achenbach Trail is the most remote and challenging trail in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It is also the longest at 18 miles, though shorter segments can be hiked from Oxbow Overlook, Riverbed Overlook, or Caprock Coulee Nature Trail off the Scenic Drive. The Achenbach Trail begins at Juniper Campground and heads west into the remote wilderness, across floodplains, and through the Achenbach Hills. The stretch of trail between Juniper Campground and Sperati Point/Oxbow Overlook requires crossing the Little Missouri River two times. Before you head out, check with park rangers about water levels and the forecast to confirm that it is safe to cross the river. Unexpected rain and flash floods will quickly turn the Little Mo into a torrent. At Oxbow Lookout, the Achenbach Trail turns east for about four more miles of the badlands wilderness before meeting up with other trails and Scenic Drive. The Achenbach Trail covers rugged terrain with lots of ups and downs. The trail is not maintained regularly, and the markers may get hidden by growing sagebrush or grass. Keep in mind that bison inhabit this area, and their trails can be easily mistaken for the real trail. There is no safe water to drink along the way, so you must carry in all of your own water.
Difficulty
High
Distance
18 miles
Estimated time
12 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Achenbach Trail
Compare nearby parks around Achenbach Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Achenbach Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Achenbach Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Juniper Campground
Wheelchair accessible campground in the North Unit.
0.3 mi away
Little Mo Nature Trail
An easy stroll along the Little Missouri River, plus a picnic area.
0.4 mi away
Cannonball Concretions Pullout
Ancient spherical sandstone formations decorate the ground and weathered cliffs here.
1.4 mi away
Caprock Coulee Nature Trail
A guided nature trail with a longer, optional loop.
1.4 mi away
Prairie Dog Town via Buckhorn Trail
An easy, short hike delivering you to the doorstep of a prairie dog town.
