North Dakota is a haven for off-road enthusiasts, offering a wide range of dirt bike trails that cater to every skill level. From thrilling adventures in the Badlands to scenic rides through the grasslands, there is something for everyone in this beautiful state. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner looking for a new challenge, North Dakota’s dirt bike trails will not disappoint.
Explore the vast network of off-road trails and discover the top riding spots in North Dakota. With thousands of miles of trails accessible to registered OHVs, you’ll have endless opportunities to uncover the state’s natural wonders on two wheels.
Key Takeaways:
- North Dakota offers a variety of dirt bike trails for off-road enthusiasts.
- Registered OHVs have access to thousands of miles of trails in the state.
- Top dirt bike trail destinations in North Dakota include Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, Roughrider OHV Trail, Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area, Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area, and Little Missouri National Grassland.
- Ensure compliance with North Dakota OHV laws and regulations before hitting the trails.
- Proper equipment, registration, and safety certifications are required for operating OHVs in North Dakota.
Where to Ride
If you’re looking for exciting dirt bike trails in North Dakota, you’re in luck. The state offers several designated trails that cater to off-road enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, North Dakota has something for everyone.
One popular trail destination is the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area. With over 15 miles of trails, it’s a haven for dirt bikes, as well as four-wheelers and side-by-sides that are 60 inches wide or less. The diverse terrain and beautiful scenery make it a must-visit location for any dirt bike enthusiast.
The Roughrider OHV Trail, located south of Mandan, is another fantastic option. This 16-mile trail follows an old railroad bed, offering a unique riding experience. The trail is suitable for dirt bikes and provides a mix of challenges and breathtaking views.
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area is a versatile destination that features a 10-mile trail open to dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and side-by-sides. This trail also accommodates non-motorized trail users, making it an ideal spot for families and adventure seekers.
For those seeking a thrilling off-road experience, make sure to visit Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area, also known as “The Desert.” Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this 400-acre play area, located south of Bismarck, provides endless opportunities for dirt bike riders to test their skills and have an unforgettable adventure.
Lastly, Little Missouri National Grassland offers not only scenic touring but also motorized recreation opportunities for dirt bike riders. This expansive area provides a vast network of trails, allowing riders to explore the natural beauty of North Dakota while enjoying their off-road experience.
Dirt Bike Trail Recommendations
| Trail Destination | Location | Trail Length | Vehicle Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area | Pembina County | Over 15 miles | Dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, and side-by-sides (60 inches wide or less) |
| Roughrider OHV Trail | Morton County | 16 miles | Dirt bikes |
| Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area | Rolette County | 10 miles | Dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides, and non-motorized users |
| Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area | Burleigh County | 400 acres | Dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides |
| Little Missouri National Grassland | Dunn County | Varies | Dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles |
Each trail offers a unique riding experience, allowing you to explore different terrains and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that North Dakota has to offer. Remember to adhere to trail guidelines and regulations, and always prioritize safety while enjoying your off-road adventure.
Laws and Regulations
It is important for dirt bike riders in North Dakota to be aware of the laws and regulations governing off-highway vehicles. All riders must be properly registered or permitted to legally ride in the state. OHVs can ride on paved highways with certain speed limits, gravel, dirt, or loose surface roadways, and frozen waters with legal access. Specific equipment requirements, such as headlights, taillights, horn, speedometer/odometer, brake light, mirror, and motor with a minimum of 350 cubic centimeters, must be met for operating an OHV on roadways. Riding is not allowed on controlled access highways, restricted properties, state parks, and wildlife management areas, among other prohibited areas. Riders should check with local law enforcement to verify riding regulations, as cities and counties may have more restrictive ordinances.
Key regulations for OHV riders in North Dakota:
- All riders must be properly registered or permitted to legally ride in North Dakota.
- OHVs are allowed on paved highways with certain speed limits, gravel, dirt, or loose surface roadways, and frozen waters with legal access.
- Specific equipment requirements must be met for operating an OHV on roadways, including headlights, taillights, horn, speedometer/odometer, brake light, mirror, and motor with a minimum of 350 cubic centimeters.
- Riding is not allowed on controlled access highways, restricted properties, state parks, and wildlife management areas, among other prohibited areas.
- Local cities and counties may have additional or more restrictive ordinances, so riders should check with local law enforcement to verify riding regulations.
Registration and Additional Requirements
For dirt bike riders in North Dakota, understanding the registration and additional requirements for operating off-highway vehicles (OHVs) is crucial. North Dakota residents must register their OHVs to ride legally on public lands. Non-residents, on the other hand, need to obtain a non-resident public trails and lands access permit to enjoy the state’s scenic trails. It’s important to note that some OHVs may be exempt from registration, and you can find exceptions listed in the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-29.
To ensure compliance, riders must have the proper equipment installed on their OHVs. This includes headlights, a horn, a tail lamp, a muffler, and a motor that meets the minimum requirement of 350 cubic centimeters. These equipment requirements are necessary for operating an OHV on both rights-of-way and trails. Additionally, riders must adhere to age restrictions, helmet requirements for minors, traffic regulations, and have liability insurance coverage.
If you’re a youth rider aged 12-15 without a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit, you must complete a safety certification class. This Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Certificate is mandatory to legally operate OHVs on public lands. So, before embarking on your off-highway adventures in North Dakota, make sure you’re familiar with the registration process and fully comply with all the necessary requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
FAQ
Can I ride my dirt bike on the designated trails in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota offers several designated trails for dirt bike riding, such as Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, Roughrider OHV Trail, Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area, Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area, and Little Missouri National Grassland. These trails are open to dirt bikes, as well as other off-road vehicles.
What are the regulations for operating off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in North Dakota?
There are specific regulations and equipment requirements for operating OHVs on different types of roads in North Dakota. OHVs can ride on paved highways with certain speed limits, gravel, dirt, or loose surface roadways, and frozen waters with legal access. However, riding is not allowed on controlled access highways, restricted properties, state parks, and wildlife management areas, among other prohibited areas. Riders should familiarize themselves with the laws and regulations before hitting the trails.
Do I need to register my dirt bike in North Dakota?
Yes, all dirt bike riders in North Dakota must properly register their off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to legally ride on public lands. North Dakota residents are required to register their OHVs, while non-residents need to purchase a non-resident public trails and lands access permit. Some OHVs may be exempt from registration, and exceptions can be found in the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-29.
What equipment do I need for operating my dirt bike in North Dakota?
When operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) on roadways in North Dakota, specific equipment requirements must be met, including headlights, taillights, horn, speedometer/odometer, brake light, mirror, and a motor with a minimum of 350 cubic centimeters. On trails and rights-of-way, OHVs must have proper equipment like headlights, horn, tail lamp, muffler, and motor. Riders should ensure their dirt bikes meet these requirements before riding.
Are there any age restrictions or safety certification requirements for dirt bike riders in North Dakota?
Riders aged 12-15 without a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit must take a safety certification class to legally operate off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public lands in North Dakota. Additionally, riders must comply with age restrictions, helmet requirements for minors, traffic regulations, and liability insurance coverage. It’s important for riders to be aware of and adhere to these requirements to ensure their safety and compliance with the law.
