These 7 Montana Forest Trails Will Bring Out Your Adventurous Side
Well known for its wide-open spaces, diverse natural resources and wildlife, and natural beauty, Montana calls folks from far and wide to come and get a taste of adventure. These seven hikes are the perfect opportunity for visitors and locals alike to explore and stretch their adventure muscles!
Our first trail is one that is perfect for curious minds. Grant Creek trail is a 3.3-mile paved trail through the picturesque Grant Creek neighborhood and adjacent public lands. Perfect for a leisurely walk or bicycle journey, this trail also lends itself to strollers. Leashed dogs are welcome. Missoula County is actively expanding and lengthening this trail, making it the perfect place to return to and explore over and over again.
Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808, USA
If you are looking for s little more adventure, consider the gorgeous Lava Lake/ Cascade Creek Trail. This 6-mile trail is rated as moderate and is a great place to enjoy birdwatching, wildlife sightings, serene views, cool shade, and even fishing at Lava Lake!
498 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Another worthy trail is the lovely Mystic Lake Trail. This 5.5-mile trail is rated as challenging but is very popular with backpackers and hikers despite this. This trail is another perfect place to spend some time admiring the great outdoors that Montana is so well-known for. This trail wanders over many types of terrain so sturdy shoes are a must and hiking poles are highly recommended. No need to hurry on this trail, there are plenty of places to camp along the route.
Mystic Lake Trailhead, W Rosebud Lake Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028, USA
Another great, easy hike is the South Cottonwood trail just outside of Gallatin Gateway. This popular trail welcomes hikers, trail runners, and even mountain bikers and equestrians. There are a few switchbacks early in the trail but after those, it is an easy amble near a cute creek that keeps the trail perfectly cool during hot summer days.
South Cottonwood Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59065, USA
For those looking to see some of Montana's iconic wildlife, check out the wonderful Hell Roaring Creek Trail. This easy trail rings in at just under 7 miles and meanders through some awesome sageland. From November to June, visitors may witness Pronghorn, elk, mule deer, moose, and bison, but the trail is home to beautiful wildflowers and birds all year round.
Hell Roaring Creek, Montana 59730, USA
A final trail to consider is the Galligator trail in Bozeman. Also known as the Linear Trail, the trail follows a railway line that extended all the way to Gallatin Gateway and shut down in 1978. The rail line was referred to as the Gallagator by passengers for its slow speed as it crawled along the twisting tracks. This trail stands as an important connection between Montana State University and downtown Bozeman and connects to several other trails for those looking for a longer or more challenging experience.
626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
There is so much adventure to be had in Big Sky Country and no shortage of places to find it! To learn more about these trails and other trails, check out the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website. Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace to preserve the adventure for generations to come, and be sure to let us know in the comments your favorite adventure trails!
Address: Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808, USA
Address: 498 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Address: Mystic Lake Trailhead, W Rosebud Lake Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028
Address: South Cottonwood Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59065
Address: Fs, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Address: Herron Park, 2310 Foys Lake Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA
Address: 626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
Address: 626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
Address: Hell Roaring Creek, Montana 59730, USA
Address: Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808, USA
Address: 498 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Address: South Cottonwood Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59065, USA
Address: Mystic Lake Trailhead, W Rosebud Lake Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028, USA
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