After getting in touch with a few local outdoor enthusiasts (the couple that runs the local rock climbing gym) we finally decided that our best bet for exciting dirt biking near Grand Forks, ND was a two hour drive Northwest to Walhalla, North Dakota. The Pembina Gorge subtlety sits among thousands of acres of cropland. The hills to the west of Walhalla hint at near environmental excitement but without research or local insight, the Pembina Gorge would go unnoticed, untracked. The hidden gem proved hidden when, on a Sunday, there were only three cars parked in the parking lot. “We’re definitely not in Moab,” Tyson assured.
We admittedly showed up to the trailhead unprepared, without the necessary North Dakota off-highway vehicle sticker we thought was required. We did some searching the night before online of what we needed in order to legally ride our motor bikes and figured that the required stickers could be purchased at the gate of the park. When we pulled up, we realized there would be no way to get the stickers out there. Luckily, a local ranger showed up within minutes and we shared a friendly conversation with him. He was a super nice guy and decided that because we had current stickers on our bikes, we were legal. He showed us the map and shared with us the history of the land, of which his father owned for years but ended up selling to the state. We were told the steep gorge walls and winding river below weren’t conducive to farming, making the land hard to “profit” from. Yet Tyson and I discovered a great profit in the land enjoying the beautiful views and exciting twists and turns. The trail was an out and back clocking in at just over six miles one way. The seemingly changing ecosystems along the way kept me alert and aware. From green grassy fields, to steep gorge walls, meadows along the river, to dense forests and open cropland, this setting was unlike any we’d ever seen in North Dakota. The land had been chiseled out by the Pembina River. Mosquitos were thick in the lower section forests and Tyson even claims he saw a young mountain lion (but no pictures to prove…hmm).
A beautiful two hour drive (one-way) through the countryside was worth it. We were definitely very impressed with the development and upkeep of the trails. We only ran into a few people (keep in mind it was Sunday) and so that was an added bonus in it of itself. Whether you’re passing through northern North Dakota or in Grand Forks and looking for a good time, pack up the moto bikes (or four wheelers, side-by-sides, or mountain bikes) a nice picnic lunch and get ready for a fun and adventurous little hidden gem.
