The Best Day Hikes Near Great Falls

One of the best things about Great Falls, Montana, are the numerous recreational opportunities so close to town.

Camping, boating, skiing, and hiking—there's something for everyone if you just get out and look for it.

Hiking Around Great Falls

At first glance, you may not realize that there are some epic hiking trails around Great Falls, Montana.

Take a look at some of these epic trails within minutes of town.

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Best Day Hikes Near Great Falls

Rivers Edge Trail

• The River's Edge Trail system is over 50 miles long and covers areas on both sides of the Missouri River.
• Much of the trail around Great Falls is paved, but if you want a more strenuous hike, head east of town.
• We'll take a closer look at some of the trailheads along the river below.👇

North Shore Trail

• As the name implies, this trail follows the northern side of the Missouri River and starts near Rainbow Dam.
• You don't have to hike this entire trail; numerous parking spots are along the trail for different access points.
• If you hike far enough, you'll eventually run across Sulphur Springs.
• This natural sulfur spring was credited with healing Sacagawea on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Colter Trail

• This short trail is just east of Great Falls and is accessible near Giant Springs State Park.
• This mile-and-a-half loop will provide a nice view of the southern section of the Missouri River.

Power Pole Trail

• This trail is a roughly half-mile offshoot of the southern portion of the River's Edge Trail, directly across the river from the beginning of the North Shore Trail.

Chaos Trail

• This is another short offshoot of the River Edge Trail on the southern portion of the Missouri River.
• If you're looking for a more challenging hike along the river with better views, check this out.

Mayhem Trail

• There are three sections of this trail.
• Much like the Chaos Trail, this is an offshoot of the River's Edge Trail.
• It provides a more strenuous hike with better views closer to the Missouri River.

Lost Fork Loop

• You'll find this trail loop at the very end of the southern portion of the River's Edge Trail.
• It is about 3.3 miles long and covers

All of these trails and additional information can be found on the Hiking Project website.

READ NEXT: Interactive Map Makes Navigating River’s Edge Trail Easy