Hike Boicourt Trail

Boicourt Trail is the kind of stop that makes you wonder why you spent so long in the car. From the trailhead along the South Unit scenic drive, a smooth paved path leads you to an overlook where the Little Missouri Badlands unfold in layers of grey, rust, and sage — like someone crumpled up the earth and forgot to smooth it out. The whole paved stretch takes about five minutes, and it's fully wheelchair accessible, so nobody gets left at the parking lot. But here's where it gets interesting: past where the pavement ends, an unpaved spur continues to a second overlook that faces west — prime territory for watching the badlands light up at sunset. The terrain beyond the pavement is packed dirt with some loose gravel, nothing technical. This trail is built for families, road-trippers needing a stretch, and anyone who wants a big payoff for minimal effort.