The Coal Vein Trail
This rail follows a coal vein that burned slowly from 1951 to 1977.
Plan Around The Coal Vein 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.
The Coal Vein Trail Details
Evidence of a now-dormant natural coal-vein fire is easily visible along this trail, which offers the choice of a 0.6-mile inner loop or a 0.8-mile outer loop. Be sure to take a guide at the trailhead to identify the markers posted along the trail, which have educational information about the area's unique ecology and geology. The trail, which includes stairs, winds through juniper trees with twisted formations, across bentonite clay (very slippery when wet), and has gorgeous views of neighboring ridges and badlands.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
0.8 miles
Estimated time
45 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around The Coal Vein Trail
Compare nearby parks around The Coal Vein Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around The Coal Vein Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond The Coal Vein Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.6 mi away
Buck Hill Trail
A trail to the highest accessible point in the park.
1.4 mi away
Lower Paddock/Lower Talkington/Jones Creek Trail
A connection of trails that can be hiked in short or longer segments.
1.5 mi away
Upper Paddock/Upper Talkington Loop
A connection of trails that can be hiked in short or longer segments.
2.2 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.
2.3 mi away
Painted Canyon Trail
This two-mile trail starts at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center.
