.jpg%3F1460583368&w=3840&q=75)
Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail
A connection of trails that can be hiked in short or longer segments.
Plan Around Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek 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.
Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail Details
Lower Paddock Creek Trail, Lower Talkington Trail and the Jones Creek Trail may be hiked alone or all together for one long trek. The exact loop can be confusing, so check with the rangers to confirm the route before setting out. The Talking Trail and Paddock Creek Trails both cover a lot of ground, and mostly run parallel in the northern section of the South Unit. Both are also divided into two sections when they intersect the Scenic Loop Drive. The trail to the east of the Scenic Loop Drive is regarded as the Upper section, and the trail to the west is the Lower section. Starting from the Scenic Loop Drive, the Lower Paddock Creek Trail heads east, crosses a creek a few times, and passes through a prairie dog town. The Jones Creek Trail connects Lower Paddock with the Lower Talkington Trail following a fairly flat path next to the creek bottom. From here, Lower Talkington Trail travels southeast through higher elevations of the badlands, offering excellent views.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
11.4 miles
Estimated time
7 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail
Compare nearby parks around Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.
1.0 mi away
Buck Hill Trail
A trail to the highest accessible point in the park.
1.4 mi away
The Coal Vein Trail
This rail follows a coal vein that burned slowly from 1951 to 1977.
2.0 mi away
Boicourt Overlook
One of the best views in the park, and a favorite at sunset.
2.4 mi away
Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop
A connection of trails that can be hiked in short or longer segments.
3.0 mi away
Painted Canyon Visitor Center
The Painted Canyon Visitor Center is a small visitor center home to a spectacular panoramic view of the North Dakota Badlands.
