Looking to spend more time outside in 2023? The Fargo Park District’s Red River Trail was recently added to North Dakota State Parks and Recreation’s 2023 12 Months – 12 Hikes Challenge. The statewide challenge is designed to encourage physical activity and the exploration of North Dakota’s natural gems across the state. This year, the program chose additional “bonus” trails to add to the program to create more opportunities for people to also hike in and around major cities.
The Red River Trail is a 6.8-mile paved trail that follows the Red River from El Zagal Golf Course to Lindenwood Park. Popular among bikers, hikers, rollerblades, and more, it also runs parallel to cross-country ski trails in the winter months. While the trail stretches past neighborhoods and the downtown district, it is easy to become lost in nature with plenty of bird and wildlife watching and diverse trees and flora to explore.
Interested in giving the challenge a shot? Here’s the skinny: challenge participants pick from 22 qualifying trails within 14 state parks and recreation areas and hike one trail a month during 2023. Once a hike is completed, hikers can check in using a QR code and track their hikes via their mobile device. Prizes are offered to participants based on the number of hikes completed as well as the number of different locations visited. More information including rules, qualifying trails, prizes, and FAQs can be found at ParkRec.nd.gov/challenges. See you on the trail!
