Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 23 HEART LAKE CLOSEST TOWN: SUPERIOR DISTANCE: 2.6 MILES Heart Lake is the largest lake in this area, with several trail options depending on time and distance desires. e trail climbs through trees, gradually gaining elevation until reaching the pay- off at Heart Lake. e trail is nicely graded the whole way, mak- ing it a rewarding hike for the effort. Motivated hikers can link up with the Pearl Lake trailhead around the east side of the lake, continuing up to the top of the Divide for a 7.5-mile round trip. is is an out-and-back hike, so be sure you have enough time to reach the lake and then retrace your steps. Looking to make it a full-day outing? Pack your fishing rod and take advantage of the cool fall air for a quiet day casting on the water. FOUR DANCES RECREATION AREA CLOSEST TOWN: BILLINGS DISTANCE: 1.5 MILES e Four Dances Recreation Area is a 765-acre open space located just a few miles from downtown Billings. is lovely area is protected from cooperative efforts between the Bureau of Land Management, the Yellowstone River Parks Association, and local landowners. Located just a few miles east of down- town Billings, this space is perfect for a short loop hike around scrubby sage followed by lunch at an established picnic area. Visitors can hike around the edge of the plateau and admire the Yellowstone River rushing by on the west side, peering over the edge of dramatic cliffs. SWAN RIVER NATURE TRAIL CLOSEST TOWN: BIGFORK DISTANCE: 2.5 MILES e Swan River runs 95 miles from the Mission Mountains, flowing through the western part of the state before draining into the Flathead River. is scenic, mellow nature trail takes hikers along a two-and-a-half mile stretch of the Swan River, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. e trail W HILE MONTANA IS KNOWN FOR EPIC BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES, EXPANSIVE WILDERNESS, AND RUGGED TERRAIN, THERE IS A LOT TO BE SAID FOR TAKING A LEISURELY STROLL AT A SCENIC SPOT CLOSE TO TOWN. Fall is an ideal time to get out and hit a mellow trail, as Montana has a short window for autumn hikes. Snow accumulates in the higher elevations beginning in early September, and frequently dusts in-town trails by the middle of the season. ere are more local hiking options than you can shake a stick at, so we've rounded up a few of our favorites across the state to get you started. ese trails are all under five miles and can be hiked throughout the fall by people of varied ages and abilities. Whether you're look- ing for a quiet walk along a river, a hike to a nearby lake, or a recreation area you might not have seen before, you'll find it here. Heart Lake AARON THEISEN Hiker's gold, Swan River Nature Trail Stroller, Swan River Nature Trail Four Dances Recreation Area KAY BJORK (2) CREATIVE COMMONS CONTINUED

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