12 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Montana Should Take
Are you asking yourself, “are there any hiking trails near me?” But also, at the same time, does the idea of hiking in Montana conjure up images of long, strenuous climbs that intimidate you? While there are plenty of trails for the more experienced trekker, there are also some beautiful hikes here for those of us who don’t always have the stamina or time to endure a lengthy adventure. These are some of the best hikes in Montana that are under five miles, allowing you to enjoy getting some outdoor exercise while not compromising Montana’s beautiful scenery. Win-win!
This is an easy hike to the largest lake in the area, and a great option if you're looking for kid-friendly hikes around Montana. The Heart Lake Trail goes west around the lake and up to the top. It’s about 2.5 miles “round trip.” If you want to extend your hike, head east until you find the Pearl Lake Trail… but that will be significantly longer than 5 miles.
This is another wonderful kid-friendly hike in Montana since it’s only about 1.5 miles long. The trailhead begins across the Going to the Sun Road from the Avalanche Lake Ranger Station and takes you through the woods over boardwalks and bridges, meaning it’s also handicapped accessible.
Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
The Drinking Horse Trail is about 2.4 miles long and has a beautiful view of Bridger Canyon and the Gallatin Valley. It's a moderately difficult trail, but still one of the easier hikes in Montana.
History lovers, this one's for you. Named after the late Diane Gabriel, a paleontologist who did extensive research at Makoshika, the Diane Gabriel Trail is a very enjoyable hike on a mile-long trail. You’ll see an excavation site where a fossilized Hadrosaur was found along with the beautiful grasslands.
Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
The Four Dances Natural Area sits on a plateau a few miles east of Billings and is bordered on the east side by Coburn Road. This is a beautiful place to take a short day hike, take photos of nature, and see some wildlife (if you’re lucky). While this trail is beautiful year-round, there's truly something magical about hiking this trail in the winter.
Four Dances Trailhead, 1100 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, USA
This is a 2 mile scenic trail in Montana will lead you down a long gravel trail that looks down upon the Wild Mile of the Swan River. You’ll find the trailhead at the top of a short hill just past the Bigfork Inn.
For anyone living in or visiting the Polebridge area, this 2 mile roundtrip hike is a must-do. The mellow walk through the forest ending in a big open meadow makes it a perfect trek for families. Glacier National Park has some of the most scenic hikes in Montana, so while you're there, start planning your next adventure.
Another kid-friendly hike around Montana, the Sulphur Springs Trail is located on the north shore of the Missouri River, this 3.6 mile hike will take you to the sulphur spring that was used to treat Sacagawea during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
River Park is located along the Bitterroot River, and the 1.5 mile trail inside the park is the perfect place to exercise in peace. Full of history, great restaurants, and inspirational scenery, Hamilton is a beautiful, scenic town in Montana that's perfect for a day trip.
Located just outside of Lewistown, this trail offers you a choice between a 4 mile roundtrip hike or a 7 mile loop. Either trail provides great views of the Central Montana mountains. If you decide to take the longer loop, consider making a weekend out of it and staying at the Judith Mountain Lodge.
Woods Gulch is a lush canyon located along the southern end of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. One of the most scenic hikes in Montana, the trail is just 1.1 miles long and takes you through the beautiful gulch.
This scenic hike in Montana clocks in at 3.4 miles and ends with some gorgeous views of Bozeman. Leverich Canyon is tucked between the two drainages of Hyalite Canyon and Sourdough Canyon.
Leverich Canyon Mountain Trail Head, S 3rd Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
Ready to take on even more trails? There are countless scenic hikes in Montana with spectacular payoffs, lace up your boots and start exploring this beautiful state!
Address: Heart Lake, Montana 59868, USA
Address: Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Address: Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Address: Four Dances Trailhead, 1100 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Address: Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Address: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Address: Great Falls, MT, USA
Address: Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
Address: Judith Mountains, Montana 59457, USA
Address: Woods Gulch, Montana 59802, USA
Address: Leverich Canyon Mountain Trail Head, S 3rd Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Montana
June 23, 2022
Jackie Ann
What’s the most beautiful hike in Montana?
That might just be the most difficult question ever asked. Montana is a labyrinth of trails that will take you on a journey to some of the most beautiful destinations in Big Sky Country. One of the most scenic hikes in Montana is the Highline Trail, which you’ll find in Glacier National Park. The trail is just shy of eight miles, and while mostly flat, the trail does get pretty narrow and you’ll be hiking along some steep drops, so be careful! Your caution will be rewarded when you see those beautiful mountain peaks, glacier valleys, and iconic alpine landscapes the park is famous for.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Montana?
Hiking through Montana is best shared with your loved ones, and there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in Montana that even the youngest of nature lovers will enjoy. Kids and adults of all ages will love the Palisade Falls Trail in Bozeman. The trail is only about a mile long and at the end of the trail, you’ll stumble into the waterfall, an 80-foot waterfall that’s impressive both in the summer and when frozen over in the winter.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Montana?
Did you know that there are at least 120 waterfalls in Montana? And that’s just the official waterfalls that have been named. With such an impressive number of cascades, you could spend a lifetime trying to view them all. Glacier National Park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Montana, especially the St. Mary and Virginia Waterfalls which can be accessed by one easy 3-mile trail. For a longer trek, take on the 6.6 mile trail to Rockwell Falls, which is actually two separate waterfalls.
Address: Heart Lake, Montana 59868, USA
Address: Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Address: Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Address: Four Dances Trailhead, 1100 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Address: Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Address: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Address: Great Falls, MT, USA
Address: Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
Address: Judith Mountains, Montana 59457, USA
Address: Woods Gulch, Montana 59802, USA
Address: Leverich Canyon Mountain Trail Head, S 3rd Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
