Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 1 9 24 was built in the early 1900s as a route between Bigfork and Swan Valley, and was turned into a nature trail in 1995. e path is nicely graded and well shaded, with eye-catching rock forma- tions to look at along the way. is is a great spot to bring a picnic lunch and spend time outdoors, and once the snow flies, visitors are welcome to take cross-country skis and enjoy the trail throughout the winter. SULPHUR SPRINGS CLOSEST TOWN: GREAT FALLS DISTANCE: 3.6 MILES Just 20 minutes from Great Falls, Sulphur Springs is an excellent choice for taking the family on a day trip to an accessible, scenic hiking trail. e trail around this area is just over 3.5 miles long, along on a wide gravel path for its entirety. Walk through a variety of native prairie grasses, high-desert cacti, and along a quiet stretch of river. Interpretive signs along the path offer a history lesson detailing how water from Sulphur Springs was critical in aiding Sacajawea during an illness during a portage at Great Falls in the early 1800s. Signs throughout the rest of the area offer an ad- ditional glimpse of this time in history, along with the significance of the region during the Lewis and Clark expedition. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy near Sulphur Springs before heading back to town. RIVER PARK CLOSEST TOWN: HAMILTON DISTANCE: 2 MILES Bitterroot Valley River Park is a charming park encompassing 65 acres of calm meadows and cot- tonwood stands along the Bitterroot River. e path around the park is paved and accessible, offering visitors a lovely afternoon stroll just a few minutes from downtown Hamilton. Visitors can expect to see owls, ducks, and osprey along the quiet paths. Keep your eyes (and camera) peeled for moose as well, but be sure to keep your distance should you come across one. Extend your outing by tak- ing a jaunt to Kiwanis Park, which adjoins River Park and offers more facilities and walking trails. LIMEKILN OVERLOOK TRAIL CLOSEST TOWN: LEWISTOWN DISTANCE: 4.5 MILES In just a few miles, the Limekiln Trail offers the chance for wildflower identification, butterfly viewing, and bird watching. e trail is well maintained and has good tread, and it is well marked the whole way up. Hikers on this trail will climb through a mixture of deciduous and pine forests until reaching an outlook with expansive views of Lewistown and the surrounding county. From the well-sized parking lot, the trail follows Burnett Creek before turning onto a dirt road that quickly becomes singletrack through an open meadow, before diving into the trees. e first part of the trail is relatively mild, becoming steeper and switchbacking as hikers near the overlook. In the two miles up, the trail climbs just under 1,000 feet, a steady incline but well worth the view. e trail offers breaks in the trees with views looking out over Limekiln Can- yon…which can also be used as an excuse to stop and catch your breath. Stop for lunch or a nice long break at the top, where the trees open up and views of the surrounding countryside and buildings of Lewistown are spread out below. Sulphur Springs DOUG LORAIN DOUG LORAIN Wood Lily, River Park View from Lewistown overlook, Limekiln Trail H E A R T L A K E R I V E R P A R K W O O D S G U L C H S W A N R I V E R N A T U R E T R A I L S U L P H U R S P R I N G S L I M E K I L N F O U R D A N C E S R E C R E A T I O N A R E A

• Cover