For the second year, the North Dakota Park & Recreation Department (NDPRD) has issued a statewide “12 Months – 12 Hikes” challenge. To participate, just pick and hike one of the 21 qualifying trails. The trails are located in 13 participating state parks and you have the entire month to complete a hike. You can complete your hikes all in one park or explore any of 13 locations across the state. New this year: If you miss a hike/month, you can complete 1 of the 3 bonus hikes.
The North Dakota Geocaching Association (NDGCA) would like to help everyone complete the hiking challenge. To do this, we will be hosting an event in a different state park each month, so we can get together with other geocachers.
Everyone is welcome, even if you have never found a geocache. We'll gather and say hello, and then hike the Hillman Trail. The Hillman Trail is a 0.75-mile trail loop through a grove of evergreen trees and connects to the Bluebird trail. It is open to hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can opt to snowshoe or cross-country ski this trail. Kicksledding may also be an option and the park advertises kicksleds availalble to rent.
Remember there is a $7 daily fee to enter state parks or an annual pass is required that can be purchased for $35.
Refreshment may be available after the hike, and maybe some door prizes.
For more information on the “12 Month/12 Hike” challenge, visit: 12 Month/12 Hike Challenge 2022.
NOTE: If you are interested in renting equipment, please call the park number 701-265-4561 to make arrangements with staff to pick up the equipment.
**For those interested, the Cavalier Beer & Bacon Bash is later the same day (26 Feb) from 2-5pm. You can shop area businesses while sampling beer & bacon dishes! Check out the FB event for more info: Cavalier Beer & Bacon Bash.