Find the top rated birding trails in Bismarck, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The only desgnated parking area was small and full. Thankfully it was a Friday in August, so we were able to park at the Shiloh Christian School next door.
We didn't see any signs for the "Hay Creek Trail", but using the TrailLink map we headed out on our Trikkes.
The first part was a wide sidewalk by a road, later becoming a narrow sidewalk. There is a turn into a residential neighborhood that is not marked, while a sign saying "Bike Route" along a wide sidewalk went in another direction.
Eventually, the trail joined some off-road paths, near a golf course, but again the lack of signs made it confusing about which direction to take. Using TralLink and Google satellite views, we were able to choose a way to go which got us back to our vehicle.
There are several places where there are signs posted that show all the trails in the region, but the individual paths do not have any signage at any point. Also, there is also no way to tell if the various trails/paths are paved or not.
It seems that Bismarck has spent a good deal of time and money on recreation trails and paths, but has not utilized TrailLink to promote or inform potential users of the trails. Adding more signage to the various trails would be very helpful.
There is a movement by Senator Kent Conrad and the Corps of Engineers to construct a trail through this area.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!