Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway
Sheyenne State Forest, ND

The 509-acre Sheyenne State Forest was established in the mid-seventies and is managed by the North Dakota Forest Service for multiple use benefits while sustaining the forest and natural resources. The forest is made up of wooded coulees and stream bottoms, steep hillsides, spring fed brooks, scenic overlooks, level upland grasslands and both upland and bottomland hardwood forest types.

The Sheyenne River Valley Chapter of the North Country Trail has constructed an incredible new hiking trail crossing the forest from east to west. This trail offers some of the most scenic views in the state. Two backcountry campsites offer primitive camping -- one near a spring that flows out from a hillside beneath a stately basswood tree, and the other next to a small waterfall that flows year-round. This waterfall is North Dakota's only registered waterfall.

The Oak Ridge Hiking Trail, constructed in 1982, is about 1.5 miles long and was the first segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail to be certified in North Dakota. Newly completed segments lead from the Oak Ridge Trail to the Martinson Bridge Trailhead (.5 miles), the Mineral Springs trail segment (1.6 miles), and the waterfall segment (0.6 miles). This is a beautiful hike any time of year, but the fall colors make it an especially breathtaking way to spend an autumn morning or afternoon.