30-45 MinutesFee applies
Hike Coal Vein Trail
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
You've seen the beautiful red clinker capping the tops of buttes throughout the Little Missouri badlands. But where does it come from? Coal Vein Trail answers this and many more of your geology questions along its 0.8-mile length. Pick up one of the trail guides from the trailhead and go on a self-guided tour of the small loop, learning about clinker, bentonite, and the coal seam that burned here for more than 25 years! Hikers should wear proper footwear and keep away from steep cliff edges. It is illegal to remove any resource from a national park. Leave any flower, stone, or other object where you find it so that other visitors can enjoy it as well. It is illegal to carve, paint, or otherwise alter anything in a national park.
Tags
HikingGeologyScenic ViewsTrailsTheodore Roosevelt National ParkTheodore Roosevelt National Park - South UnitCoal Vein Trailself-guided hikeloop trailbadlandsgeologycoal vein fire
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Details
Duration
30-45 Minutes
Fees
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
Coal Vein Trail is an unpaved trail which includes uneven footing, steep stairs, and potential slip hazards. Hikers should keep away from steep cliff edges. Proper footwear is recommended. Service animals are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Pets
No — Pets are welcome in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, they are only allowed in certain areas. Leashed pets may be walked along roads and road shoulders, sidewalks, parking areas, and in campgrounds and picnic areas. More information: Visiting with Pets.
Reservations
No
Location
Coal Vein Trailhead