2022 Challenges

Complete one hike a month on any of the 21 qualifying trails below. Miss a month? The three bonus hikes will be open for you to log at any point during the year to help you complete the challenge!

List of Qualifying Trails

We've created this checklist to help you keep track and learn more about each trail.

1. Rolling Prairie Loop, Beaver Lake State Park, Distance: 0.87 miles

2. Matah “River” Trail, Cross Ranch State Park, Distance: 2.9 miles

3. Ma-ak-oti “Old Village” Trail, Cross Ranch State Park, Distance: 4.2 miles

4. Bloody Knife Loop, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Distance: 1.97 miles

5. Young Hawk Interpretive Trail, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Distance: 1.1 miles

6. Little Twig Trail, Fort Ransom State Park, Distance: 0.94 miles

7. White Tail Loop, Fort Ransom State Park, Distance: 0.46 miles

8. Flicker Loop, Fort Stevenson State Park, Distance: 1 mile

9. Northern Pine Loop, Fort Stevenson State Park, Distance: The Loop is 0.25 mile from Visitor Center on Flicker Trail, Loop 2.22 miles, Total 2.72 miles

10. Sivert Thompson Loop, Grahams Island State Park, Distance: 1.6 miles

11. Hillman Trail, Icelandic State Park, Distance: 0.75 miles

12. Basswood Trail, Icelandic State Park, Distance: 0.6 miles

13. Tenderfoot Trail, Lake Metigoshe State Park, Distance: Begin at the Warming House Trailhead, 3.31 miles round trip

14. Hemerick Point Trail, Lake Metigoshe State Park, Distance: Begin at the Warming House Trailhead, 2.3 miles round trip

15. Overlook Trail, Lake Sakakawea State Park, Distance: 0.36 miles

16. North Trail System, Lewis & Clark State Park, Distance: 2.6 miles

17. South Trail System, Lewis & Clark State Park, Distance: 2.6 miles

18. I Trail, Little Missouri State Park (Open seasonally through October), 2.25 miles

19. Maah Daah Hey Trail, Sully Creek State Park, Start at the Sully Creek Trailhead to explore a portion of the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail.

20. Moosehead Trail (from Chalet Trailhead), Turtle River State Park, Distance: 1.31 miles

21. Hollows River/Hollows Ridge Loop (from the Visitor Center Trailhead), Turtle River State Park, Distance: 1.74 miles

List of Bonus Trails

1. Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, Distance: Over 30 miles of trails available. Choose your own adventure starting from the trailhead.

2. Roughrider Trail (from Fort Rice Trailhead 20 miles south of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park), Distance: 16 miles of trail available

3. Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area, Distance: Explore any trail you wish. Suggested loop is 2.4 miles round trip from the trailhead to Old Baldy Overlook.

2022 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge Official Rules

• Participants must first register by completing the online registration form. All ages are welcome to participate! Individuals, families or groups are allowed to register using one phone number. This 10-digit phone number will serve as the participant ID when checking in for each hike for either yourself or the entire group!
• Registrations will be accepted all year long. However, starting the challenge later will limit participants’ ability to achieve top-tier prizes.
• Each qualifying trail will be open for check-ins all month long, subject to seasonal, weather-related, or emergency park closures.
• If you miss a month, there are three qualifying bonus hikes across the state which a participant can complete to count toward their 12 hikes. These bonus hikes are also open for check-ins each month (subject to seasonal, weather-related, or emergency closures), but each bonus location can only be hiked once to count toward the 12-hike completion.
• To log your monthly hike, participants must scan the trail sign QR code on a mobile device, enter their email address (used during registration), participation ID (registered 10-digit phone number), number of hikers and then submit the participation check-in form.
• Check-ins will be allowed all month long, subject to seasonal, weather-related, or emergency closures.
• Email submissions will not be accepted.
• Only one qualifying hike submission per participation ID will be accepted each month except if a bonus trail is hiked the same month as a normal qualifying hike.
• There are 21 qualifying trails statewide in 13 state parks and three additional bonus trails located in state recreational areas that count toward completing the 12 hikes (See this checklist for qualifying trails). Qualifying trails can be hiked multiple times during the year to count as a monthly qualifying hike; however, top-tier prizes are based on the number of parks visited as the 12 hikes are completed.
• Trails will vary in distance, type of hike, type of path and how strenuous the trail is. No special signage will be provided on the trails besides the trailhead check-in sign indicating that the trail is a qualifying hike. Please refer to online information, park maps or inquire with park staff for questions. Trails may not be stroller-friendly.

Additional Information

There is no cost to participate in the 2022 12 Months–12 Hikes Challenge. However, entering any state park by vehicle requires the display of a 2022 North Dakota Parks & Recreation annual permit or a vehicle day pass. Daily passes as well as North Dakota Parks & Recreation annual permits for 2022 are available for purchase online or at any state park visitor center (hours of operation may vary).

The whole family is encouraged to participate in the monthly hikes. Leashed pets are also welcome. For more information, please call 701-328-5357 Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Central Standard Time) You can also email us at parkrec@nd.gov

Prizes are based on the number of qualifying hikes as well as the number of state parks visited to complete those hikes. See prize list and qualifying criteria below:

1. Participants who complete a qualifying or bonus hike will receive an entry into a random drawing for a 2023 ND Parks & Recreation annual permit. You do not need to complete all 12 hikes to be entered into this drawing.

2. Participants who complete the 12-hike challenge by visiting 2-4 State Parks/Recreational Areas will receive a bronze NDPRD commemorative medal and four additional entries into a random drawing for a 2023 ND Parks & Recreation annual permit.

3. Participants who complete the 12-hike challenge by visiting 5-7 State Parks/Recreational Areas will receive a silver NDPRD commemorative medal and seven additional entries into a random drawing for a 2023 ND Parks & Recreation annual permit.

4. Participants who complete the 12-hike challenge by visiting 8 or more State Parks/Recreational Areas will receive a gold NDPRD commemorative medal and twelve additional entries into a random drawing for a 2023 ND Parks & Recreation annual permit.

*A total of 12 North Dakota Parks & Recreation annual permits will be given away in the drawing! Completion medals are limited to six per registered phone number/mailing address. Current employees of NDPRD, their families, or employees whom at any time during 2022 were employed with NDPRD are not eligible to be entered into the drawing.

FAQs for 2022 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge 

How do I participate in the 2022 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge? 

• Complete the 2022 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge registration form here from Dec 2021 – December 2022.

NOTE: If you do not complete a hike by the end of April 2022, you will not be able to achieve the 12 completed hikes in 2022. But you can still register and complete a qualifying hike to gain an entry into the drawing.

• To make your monthly hike count toward your 12, you will need to check-in via a mobile smart device and hike a qualifying trail each month throughout the year. Three bonus hike areas are available if you miss a month; however, each bonus hike can only be used once (a maximum total of three bonus hikes for the year). 

Where do I find the qualifying trail to hike?  

• There are 21 qualifying trails in 13 parks statewide that are part of the challenge. You can choose what trails you want to hike each month. Qualifying trails can be hiked multiple times during the calendar year and count toward your 12 collective hikes, but the more parks you visit, the greater your chance at winning a prize. A list of qualifying trails can be found here.

Can I do my hike any time during the month? 

• Yes. The qualifying trails are open all month long! However, be aware that some parks are only open seasonally and other areas may close due to weather-related events or emergency situations.

Can I do more than one hike a month and have it count towards my 12? 

• Yes and No. You are only allowed to submit one qualifying hike each month unless you are also completing a bonus hike. Bonus hikes may be completed at any time.

What are the participating locations? 

• Participating locations include Beaver Lake, Fort Abraham Lincoln, Icelandic, Fort Ransom, Turtle River, Lake Metigoshe, Lake Sakakawea, Grahams Island, Lewis & Clark, Cross Ranch, Sully Creek, Little Missouri and Fort Stevenson state parks. Additional locations (the bonus hike locations) are the Roughrider Trail (Check-in at the Fort Rice Trailhead), Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area and Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area.

Can I participate with other people? 

• You can participate as an individual, a couple, with friends, or with your family. However, the phone number used for the initial registration must be used throughout the remainder of the year for accurate recording. Please note that completion medals are limited to six per registered phone number/mailing address.  
   

Can members of the same household participate separately? 

• Yes, but each participant must be registered separately and use a unique individual phone number throughout the year.  
   

What if we only have one phone number within the household? 

• The phone number serves as a unique participation ID, which is required as you check-in for your hike each month. You can register as many people as you want with a single phone number.

Is there an age requirement? 

• All ages are welcome to participate in the hiking challenge!

Can the same Participant ID (phone number) be utilized by multiple people? 

• Yes; however during initial registration, we ask for the names of everyone registering under the same phone number. Please note that completion medals are limited to six per registered phone number/mailing address. 

Do I need to submit my trail check-in by scanning the trail sign’s QR code with my mobile smart device? 

• Yes, this is the only way to check-in at a qualifying trail. If you have trouble with cell service at a specific location, scan the QR code, save the URL location, and visit any of the state park entrance stations for free WIFI connections. Connect to WIFI and complete the check-in process.

Do I have to do the trails in any particular order? 

• No, you can choose to complete all 12 hikes in one state park, or you can venture to as many state parks as you like. However, be aware that the prizes are based on the number of state parks visited as well. A minimum of two parks/recreational areas must be visited and qualifying hike logged as you complete your 12 hikes in order to win a medal.

What if I didn’t find out about the challenge until after it started? 

• No problem! Participants that register from Dec 2021 thru April 2022 are still able to complete the challenge. However, registrations will be accepted after April 2022 as participants can still register, complete a qualifying hike, and gain an entry into a drawing for a 2023 annual permit.

Do I have to register? 

• Yes, Register for the challenge online here.

Are there any fees affiliated with the 12 Months - 12 Hikes Challenge? 

• Although there is no cost affiliated with the 2022 12 Months - 12 Hikes Challenge itself, fees may include state park entrance fees, camping fees and affiliated reservation fees.

Is the 12 Months - 12 Hikes Challenge COVID friendly? 

• Yes! The 12 Months-12 Hikes Challenge is a strictly outdoor activity that participants can participate in on their own. 

Official Rules

• The 2022 Adventure Challenge officially begins on May 16, 2022 and ends on October 15, 2022; participants can start the challenge at any time within that time frame and adventures can be completed in any order.
   
• Participating locations include all 13 of the North Dakota State Parks. Additional locations include the Crow Flies High and Pembina Gorge State Recreation Areas.
   
• Limit one participant per single Facebook account. To participate, entrants must have a Facebook account that follows the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page. Those under the age 13 years of age need to participate along with a parent/guardian as per Facebook’s terms and conditions, individuals must be at least 13 years of age to sign up for a Facebook account.
   
• Challenges are listed on a pinned post on the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page and are available online here.
   
• Participants must take pictures and answer individual challenge questions to prove completion. Pictures and answers must be submitted via private message to the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page from a single account. ND Parks & Recreation Department staff is not responsible for follow-up correspondence to obtain any missing photos and/or answers to satisfy any challenge submittals. Should required photo and/or answer be missing, it will result in no credit given for that individual challenge.
   
• All photos must be taken while visiting one of the participating locations as photos taken offsite will not satisfy completion for any challenge. Photos that are emailed, posted to the Facebook page or tagged referencing the challenge or Facebook account will not be accepted, nor counted towards the challenge.
   
• Only one photo per challenge will be accepted; each photo submission must reference the challenge it is intended to fulfill by providing the answer. The same photo cannot be used to complete multiple challenges. Completing a challenge multiple times will not add to your total completed challenges. The North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department will assume copyrights affiliated with challenge entries, enabling them to be utilized in promotional materials and shared on social media. If, for whatever reason, you do not wish your pictures be utilized and/or shared please send that request via private message along with your pictures so your request can be honored.
   
• To maximize your experience, please research or call individual locations directly for additional information surrounding items such as equipment rental availability, river levels, office/visitor center hours, trail conditions, etc. prior to your visit should you have any questions.
   
• All questions, comments or concerns should be sent via private message to the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page; please understand that a limited amount of staff process challenge entries. Our goal is to be timely and answer questions, address concerns and verify entries within a few hours, but please allow up to 24 to 48 hrs. for replies.

We hope you enjoy traveling to and learning more about all of our locations, services and opportunities the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department has to offer. Upon the conclusion of the challenge, the first 100 participants who have completed the most adventures according to the official rules will receive an official 2022 Adventure Challenge patch via postal mail.

In addition, the 25 individuals that have completed the most challenges will be entered into a drawing for five 2023 North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department annual vehicle permits; valid through April 30, 2024.

Winners will be announced via Facebook in November and will be sent their permit December through postal mail.

FAQs for ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge 

How do I participate in the ND Parks & Rec 2022 Adventure Challenge? 

• Follow the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page and view the pinned post completing as many challenges as you can from the list through October 15, 2022. As you complete challenges, submit selfies and trivia answers via private message to prove completion.

How do I find out what these challenges are?  

• There are a variety of challenges that feature all participating North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department locations listed here and within the pinned post on the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page. 

Can I do more than one challenge in a day or at or at the same location? 

• Yes, depending upon the challenge(s), you’ll be able to complete multiple challenges on the same day, whether it includes one or multiple locations.  

What are the participating locations? 

• Participating locations include Beaver Lake, Fort Abraham Lincoln, Icelandic, Fort Ransom, Little Missouri, Turtle River, Lake Metigoshe, Lake Sakakawea, Grahams Island, Sully Creek, Lewis & Clark, Cross Ranch and Fort Stevenson state parks. Additional locations include Crow Flies High and the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Areas.   

Do I have to have a Facebook account? 

• Yes! Facebook will be utilized to promote the challenge, list all of the challenges and for participants to submit photos via private message to serve as proof of completion for all challenges. Photos will not be accepted through other social media outlets, via email or by posting them to any of the department Facebook pages. 

Can I participate with other people? 

• You can participate as an individual, a couple, with friends or with your family. Please note that all participants must submit their own selfies and that prizes are limited to one per household. 

Can members of the same household participate separately? 

• Yes, assuming participants have their own Facebook pages. However, prizes are limited to one per household. 

Is there an age requirement? 

• All ages are welcome to participate in the challenges; however, Facebook does require individuals to be at least 13 years old to have a Facebook page.  

Can I use the same photo to prove completion of multiple challenges? 

• When photos are submitted via private message on the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page, participants are to indicate which specific challenge for which they want to prove completion. A single photo will not be utilized to prove completion for multiple challenges. 

Can the same photo be utilized by multiple people? 

• All participants must utilize their own photos for their submissions. Failure to do so will result in no credit given for completion of affiliated challenges. 

Will my photos be shared and/or utilized elsewhere? 

• We look forward to seeing you make memories while enjoying the outdoors at all of our locations! Your photo submissions may be shared during the challenge or in the future on social media outlets or via printed marketing materials. Although we do not guarantee that all photo submissions will be featured, we do look forward to sharing the memories our visitors are creating while visiting us! 

Do I need to take my pictures at the participating locations? 

• Yes! 

Do I have to do the challenges in any particular order? 

• You have until October 15, 2022 tto travel to the participating locations and complete the challenges on your own schedule and interests, in any particular order. 

What if I didn’t find out about the challenge until after it started? 

• Participants can start the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge at any time throughout the year.  

Do I have to register? 

• When you submit your first photo and trivia answer via private message to the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge Facebook page, you will be asked to provide your mailing address and phone number to be affiliated with your submissions. That way, your contact information is available when it comes time to award prizes! 

Are there any fees affiliated with the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge? 

• Although there is no cost affiliated with the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge itself, fees may be affiliated with some of the challenges that may include state park entrance fees, camping fees and affiliated reservation fees and equipment rental fees. 

Is the ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge COVID friendly? 

• The ND Parks & Rec Adventure Challenge offers a variety of outdoor activities that participants can participate in on their own and as their schedule allows. Park visitors are asked to follow North Dakota Smart Restart and CDC guidelines while visiting all of our locations.