Hiking in Montana is an incredible experience. From our rugged mountain trails to our lakeside gems, you’ll find all kinds of various hikes in the Treasure State. And given our prominent railroad history, it should come as no surprise that some of our trails pass right through abandoned tunnels and trestles. The Milwaukee Railroad Trail is no exception, and this historic hike is truly unique and is one of the best hikes in Montana.
The Milwaukee Railroad Trail is located a few miles south of Butte.
Lisa Carey / Google The four-mile trail stretches through Thompson Park in Silver Bow, taking you over a 600-foot trestle that rises about 130 feet off the ground.
While this entire hike is stunning, the trestle is definitely one of the major highlights.
Richard Remington / alltrails.com It isn’t every day you’ll get to cross something like this.
This section of railroad was one of the first in the country to be electrified.
Greg Roth / alltrails.com In fact, Thomas Edison once visited to take a ride on the Milwaukee Railroad.
While the trail is primarily used for hiking, it can also be used for biking and horseback riding.
Tempress Wood / alltrails.com It’s also groomed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
In addition to the massive trestle, the trail also has two tunnels.
Joey Nordstrom / alltrails.com One of the tunnels is 550 feet long, while the other is 1,100 feet long.
This hike is like a walking history tour for anyone interested in getting an up-close-and-personal look at how the old railway system worked.
Tyler Cherry / alltrails.com We’re lucky to have such a unique trail here in Montana.
As you enjoy this trail, make sure to read about its history along the way.
Nick Mallsani / alltrails.com There are so many things that happened in Montana that never made it into our textbooks.
Have you ever hiked this unique trail?
Lisa Carey / Google
The four-mile trail stretches through Thompson Park in Silver Bow, taking you over a 600-foot trestle that rises about 130 feet off the ground.
Richard Remington / alltrails.com
It isn’t every day you’ll get to cross something like this.
Greg Roth / alltrails.com
In fact, Thomas Edison once visited to take a ride on the Milwaukee Railroad.
Tempress Wood / alltrails.com
It’s also groomed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Joey Nordstrom / alltrails.com
One of the tunnels is 550 feet long, while the other is 1,100 feet long.
Tyler Cherry / alltrails.com
We’re lucky to have such a unique trail here in Montana.
Nick Mallsani / alltrails.com
There are so many things that happened in Montana that never made it into our textbooks.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Thompson Park, Butte, MT 59701, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Montana March 30, 2022 Spencer Schneider What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana? Most people know that Montana has some of the best hikes in the entire country. With some of the most famous national parks in the world, Montana is a well-known hiking destination for those looking for mountains to conquer or sights to see. However, some of these hikes are intense, and are not great for the whole family. If you are looking for some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana, we are here to guide you. Trail of the Cedars Trail of the Cedars is the perfect starting hike to break in those new boots and get out into nature with your kids and the rest of your family. This trail is just under 1 mile, and can be found in the famous Glacier National Park. The trail is actually a loop and follows a raised boardwalk that will bring you through an incredible red cedar forest with trees over 100 feet tall. At the halfway point, you will reach a footbridge that will give you breathtaking views of Avalanche Gorge. Hidden Lake Overlook Hidden Lake Overlook is a bit more difficult than Trail of the Cedars, and is almost 3 miles, but don’t let that deter you. Although this hike is also found in Glacier National Park, it will be an entirely different experience than Trail of the Cedars. The path to Hidden Lake Overlook will bring you through alpine meadows instead of forests. You’ll be walking towards the giant Clements Mountain during your journey, where you will eventually hit Hidden Lake Overlook where you can see incredible views of Hidden Lake and the mountains that surround the lake. Hidden Lake Trail If you reach Hidden Lake Overlook and have plenty of energy to keep going, you can keep walking an extra mile to reach the beautiful Hidden Lake!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Montana
March 30, 2022
Spencer Schneider
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana? Most people know that Montana has some of the best hikes in the entire country. With some of the most famous national parks in the world, Montana is a well-known hiking destination for those looking for mountains to conquer or sights to see. However, some of these hikes are intense, and are not great for the whole family. If you are looking for some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana, we are here to guide you. Trail of the Cedars Trail of the Cedars is the perfect starting hike to break in those new boots and get out into nature with your kids and the rest of your family. This trail is just under 1 mile, and can be found in the famous Glacier National Park. The trail is actually a loop and follows a raised boardwalk that will bring you through an incredible red cedar forest with trees over 100 feet tall. At the halfway point, you will reach a footbridge that will give you breathtaking views of Avalanche Gorge. Hidden Lake Overlook Hidden Lake Overlook is a bit more difficult than Trail of the Cedars, and is almost 3 miles, but don’t let that deter you. Although this hike is also found in Glacier National Park, it will be an entirely different experience than Trail of the Cedars. The path to Hidden Lake Overlook will bring you through alpine meadows instead of forests. You’ll be walking towards the giant Clements Mountain during your journey, where you will eventually hit Hidden Lake Overlook where you can see incredible views of Hidden Lake and the mountains that surround the lake. Hidden Lake Trail If you reach Hidden Lake Overlook and have plenty of energy to keep going, you can keep walking an extra mile to reach the beautiful Hidden Lake!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most people know that Montana has some of the best hikes in the entire country. With some of the most famous national parks in the world, Montana is a well-known hiking destination for those looking for mountains to conquer or sights to see. However, some of these hikes are intense, and are not great for the whole family. If you are looking for some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana, we are here to guide you.
Trail of the Cedars
Trail of the Cedars is the perfect starting hike to break in those new boots and get out into nature with your kids and the rest of your family. This trail is just under 1 mile, and can be found in the famous Glacier National Park. The trail is actually a loop and follows a raised boardwalk that will bring you through an incredible red cedar forest with trees over 100 feet tall. At the halfway point, you will reach a footbridge that will give you breathtaking views of Avalanche Gorge.
Hidden Lake Overlook
Hidden Lake Overlook is a bit more difficult than Trail of the Cedars, and is almost 3 miles, but don’t let that deter you. Although this hike is also found in Glacier National Park, it will be an entirely different experience than Trail of the Cedars. The path to Hidden Lake Overlook will bring you through alpine meadows instead of forests. You’ll be walking towards the giant Clements Mountain during your journey, where you will eventually hit Hidden Lake Overlook where you can see incredible views of Hidden Lake and the mountains that surround the lake.
Hidden Lake Trail
If you reach Hidden Lake Overlook and have plenty of energy to keep going, you can keep walking an extra mile to reach the beautiful Hidden Lake!
