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!

1. Heart Lake Trail, near Superior

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.

2. Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park

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.

3. Drinking Horse Trail, Bozeman

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.

4. Diane Gabriel Trail, Makoshika State Park

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.

5. Four Dances Natural Area, east of Billings

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.

6. Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork

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.

7. Hidden Meadow, Glacier National Park

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.

8. Sulphur Springs Trail, north of Great Falls

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.

9 River Park, Hamilton

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.

10. Limekiln Trail, Judith Mountains

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.

11. Woods Gulch, outside Missoula

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.

12. Leverich Canyon Trail, Bozeman

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.

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!