For bike enthusiasts who like to find the roads less traveled, Montana’s 30 million acres of federal and state land await your arrival! It’s the land of wide-open spaces wrapped with mountainous terrain for the most advanced to meandering creeks and re-established former train track trails for hours of fun for all.
As a family born and raised under the Big Sky, we have had the opportunity to discover those roads and trails less traveled as well as some of America’s most popular places to peddle on the Great American Rail-Trail.
If you have yet to experience any of the Trail’s 3,700 miles or one or more of its 145+ existing rail trails, this is a bucket list of all lists for bicycle enthusiasts.
The grand vision for developing trails that connect America from Washington D.C. to the state of Washington is no longer a dream. More than 52 percent of the route is already set – with over 20 trails (and more to come) right here in our home state.
History of the Great American Rail-Trail
According to the organization’s website, the concept behind the trail was to confirm a connected route across the country that would provide ‘the highest quality’ experience for all types of non-motorized trail users, from long-distance cyclists to runners to the novice to the most advanced day tripper. Another key factor is that any developed rail trail could serve as a catalyst to boost the economy within each state.
Today, the route includes over 20 trails that wander under the Big Sky in Montana!
Great American Rail-Trails in Montana
History enthusiasts and outdoor admirers are bound to put Last Best Place on their list of ‘must-do’ trails. The most popular route through Montana includes some of the most beautiful sights on the planet. Here’s how it’s described on the organization’s website:
The preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail through Montana will connect communities already well-known for their outdoor recreation assets—including Livingston, Bozeman, Three Forks, Butte and Missoula. History abounds along the route as well: The area around the state’s Great American gateway trail—the developing Headwaters Trails System in Three Forks—has a history stretching to Sacajawea and the 1804–1806 Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition, and in Livingston, the Highway 89 South Pedestrian Trail travels through the original gateway town for the country’s first national park: Yellowstone.
And here’s the list below (The TrailLink.com website does ask you to create a log-in and password to start and also offers paid subscriptions for upgraded options):
- Highway 89 South Pedestrian Trail
- Livingston Depot Center Trail
- Bozeman to Bridger Mountains Trail/Path to the “M” and Drinking Horse
- Story Mill Spur
- Front Street Connector
- Oak Street Trail
- North 19th Avenue Trail
- Valley Center Trail
- Jackrabbit Lane Shared-Use Path
- Manhattan to the Gallatin River Trail
- Headwaters Trail System
- Milwaukee Road Rail-Trail (Thompson Park)
- Silver Bow Creek Greenway
- Arrow Stone Park Trail
- Old Yellowstone Trail
- Piltzville Trail
- Bonner Streetcar Trail
- Canyon River Trail
- Milwaukee Trail
- Mullan Road Trail
- A.J. Hoyt Memorial Trail
- Route of the Olympian
- NorPac Trail
Interactive Map of the Great American Rail-trail
You can see a complete map of this project to date on their website and many more details about the Great American Rail-trails in the great state of Montana.
For an interactive option, download the Great American Rail-Trail app.
Volunteers and Funding Needed
Close collaboration with trail managers and public officials in Montana will help facilitate the creation of the 325 miles needed to complete the Great American route over the next several decades. To be a part of this remarkable project, we encourage you to dive into their website for complete details.
Live the Life You Love
Whether you are a bike enthusiast or not, the great outdoors of Montana offers more adventure than anyone could need or desire … just out their backdoor. When you are ready to explore what it’s like to live on a lake or experience the mountain or ranching lifestyle, contact Hollinger Real Estate in the Last Best Place. We have been fortunate to grow up under the Big Sky and would like to share the life we love with you.
