Explore the best rated trails in Great Falls, MT, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the River's Edge Trail (MT) and N/A . With more than 1 trails covering 55 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I rode the paved portions of the trail and are nicely done. Generally wide and smooth. Some trail signage and information panels along the way, as well as a variety of art objects. Had a bit of trouble with the posted trail system map, I’m generally pretty good with maps. Did enjoy the portions I rode and would highly recommend if in Great Falls. Over two day period rode 30 miles of the trail system, some portions were out and back. Enjoyed the west end of the system the best which included the 3.5 mile urban loop plus the loop around Gibson Park. Take a swing through Giant Springs State Park it is well worth a visit. Don’t forget to stop at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, a must see.
There was a small section of the trail that was good as far as a paved trail goes. When I go back I’ll check if I missed something. Then I’ll update this.
Nicely paved trail along the river. You can get to 3 of the 5 waterfalls along the paved portion, then it turns to a single track Mt bike trail. There are restrooms and picnic tables along the way. It runs up both sides of the river, with a few places to cross safely. The portion that runs through town is a bit tricky to navigate. Loved the entire ride.
The paved section, which is from downtown to a mile south of Giant Springs, is scenic and well maintained. Plenty of restrooms, but not much water. Giant Springs is unique, don't miss it. Good parking and modern restrooms at the Lewis & Clark Center at 4201 Giant Springs Road.
The gravel section, which is east (downstream) of Giant Springs, has a lot of hills and so you need a mountain bike.
Hard to imagine a nicer trail then what this one is. Beautiful every step of the way. Uncrowded. Very well maintained. Check it out
I've been on the trail many times. The description is pretty accurate. It's paved in town. When you leave the paved surface on the south shore, a hybrid bike probably wouldn't handle the trails. The up and down through the ravines will test your cardio. The north shore has a gravel road along the river. Cochrane Dam is open to link the north shore and south shore trails ONLY on certain weekends in the summer.
You can pick this trail up in town along the Riverside parkway. While going through town, you make a lot of jogs as the trail gets eaten up by development (including riding through the police station lot). Once you leave town you are back on the railroad grade as you travel along the river. Near the Lewis and Clark museum, you leave the river and head inland a bit, then the railroad grade runs into the existing mainline which crosses the river. This leaves you without a rail grade, and now you have to climb a hill to get back to the top of the canyon. The paved trail ends after a downhill run to a plateau with a nice viewing area.
I was able to ride the River's Edge over the Memorial Day weekend. It was cold and overcast, but I had a good ride.
This is a really well laid out trail. I took it as far as Horseshoe Falls, where the pavement ends. I recommend it to everyone!
"We biked this trail in July and, except for the 100 degree temperature we experienced that day, it was a great ride.
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"This is a smooth little trail that extends north out of the waterfront park and follows along the rim of the Missouri River canyon and the once elaborate series of water falls--hence Great Falls--since filled in by dam activity down river.Only Black Eagle Falls remain.The bird life in the canyon is rich. We rode along with scores of brown pelicans who nest here in the summer.The trail also skirts along a Lewis and Clark Heritage Center and Giant Springs State Park, an enormous seep that dumps millions of gallons of spring water into the Missouri.The trail is paved and appears to have been embraced by the folks of Great Falls as we saw many families and even convolescent center patients in wheel chairs in the early evening. I rate this one high for its wildlife viewing possiblities and historical perspectives. It's in great shape and an easy ride, especially after a huge dinner across the river in Black Eagle at Bori's Restaurant where the portions of rigatoni are as voluminous as the open sky."
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