Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area

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NEWS RELEASE: Governor Burgum announces the development of Pembina Gorge into North Dakota's 14th state park

The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area has become a top destination for adventure seekers throughout North Dakota and the surrounding states. The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area encompasses over 2,800 acres of public land in the Pembina River Gorge. With steep valley cliffs towering over small, isolated prairies and pocketed wetlands surrounded by the largest continuous, undisturbed forest in North Dakota, its stunning beauty is simply unmatched.

With over 30 miles of trails, the Pembina Gorge provides visitors with an exceptional outdoor experience. The trails at the Pembina Gorge are open to horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and off-highway vehicles (OHV). There are also opportunities for non-motorized recreation on groomed trails in the winter season. Kayak rentals and transportation are available by contacting the on-site staff.

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Trail Information:

Multi-Use Trail Map

In order to maintain a safe & sustainable trail system, we do close the trails following a significant rain event to allow the water time to shed off the trail. By doing this, rutting is minimized on the tread and it takes less time for the trails to re-open. The goal is to avoid damage to the tread and long-term closures. We monitor the trails very closely and will open the trails again as soon as possible.

Call us at (701) 549-2444 or check our Facebook page for updates.

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*Kayak rentals and transportation have ended for the 2024 season.*

Kayak the Pembina River and enjoy the amazing views of the Pembina Gorge. Our team can provide rentals and transportation by appointment seven days a week, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call (701) 549-2444 or email pgsra@nd.gov at least 24 hours in advance to schedule your time! Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation time.

Rentals:

The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area offers kayak rentals for $32/half day or $50/full day. Life jackets and paddles are provided with your rental. The recreation area also offers to transport kayakers.

Transportation:

The transportation fee is $30 to be transported to Vang Bridge.

Route 1: Vang Bridge to Brick Mine Bridge (last call for rental and transport @ 2 p.m.)
Leave your vehicle at Brick Mine Bridge and we'll transport you to Vang Bridge. This route is 3.5 miles and takes 1-2 hours to travel. We'll pick up the kayaks when you're done!

Route 2: Vang Bridge to Highway 32 Bridge (last call for rental and transport @ 12:30 p.m.)
Leave your vehicle at our office and we'll transport you to Vang Bridge. This route is 10.75 miles and takes 4-6 hours to travel. The take-out point is across the road from our office in Walhalla, so we'll pick up the kayaks when you're done!

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With the extensive trail system, the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is a one-of-a-kind riding experience for Equestrians. Please note that all of the trails except Lady Slipper are also open OHVs, bikers, and hikers. Lady Slipper Trail is a non-motorized trail open to bikers, hikers, and horseback riders only.

What you need to know

Equestrian riders need to purchase a horse pass. Daily and annual options are available and are required per horse. Permits are available for purchase in the office or online here. The money generated from these fees goes towards maintaining horse trails.
Daily fee: $6/horse
Annual fee: $30/horse
Bringing horses into North Dakota: Information on health certificates and tests can be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's website, https://www.nd.gov/ndda/, under Animal Import Permits.
Trail Maps: Multi-Use Trail Map
All North Dakota State Park and Recreation Area trail maps are available in the OuterSpatial App.

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Explore the Pembina Gorge on your ATV or dirt bike. The trailhead is located 1 mile north, 1 mile west, and ¼ mile north of the beautiful Walhalla Country Club.

Trail Maps:

Multi-Use Trail Map

There is no fee to use the new multi-use trail that is designed to accommodate non-motorized and motorized traffic, including the three classes of OHVs – dirt bikes, four wheelers and side-by-sides – which are 60 inches wide or less. Please review the following information:

• Current Registration and Liability Insurance is required
• Open to registered Class 1, 2, 3 OHVs (Max 60” Width)
• Motorized Vehicles must be insured
• Riders and Passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet
• Ages 11 and younger cannot operate OHVs
• Ages 12-15 must have an OHV safety certificate
• Ages 16+ must have a valid Driver’s License
• Follow trail signage
• Respect private lands adjacent to the trail
• Wear proper riding gear
• Stay on the trail

All North Dakota State Park and Recreation Area trail maps are available in the OuterSpatial App.

Permitting, classes information and rules and regulations are available here.

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