New web site features some of best trails in Montana

By CHRIS PETERSON

Hungry Horse News

The Montana Wilderness Association has set up a new online hiking site, featuring more than 200 trail descriptions and adventures from across the state. The site was made possible by a $50,000 grant from the Montana Office of Tourism as well as contributions from MWA staff and volunteers. MWA will host the site at Hikewildmontana.org.

Each description includes photos, a map and directions on how at access the trailhead. 

The description also includes elevation gain and loss, the round trip length and other pertinent details.

The site is heavy on trails in national forests and other public lands, but not so much for Glacier National Park.

That’s by design, noted MWA Executive Director Brian Sybert.

“We’re really trying to emphasis national forests,” he said.

Glacier already sees about 2.3 million visitors annually and there are a host of trail guides to the Park that are already online.

“Exploring our state’s natural wonders and accessing public lands is part of who we are as Montanans,” said Montana Gov. Steve Bullock. “I am pleased that our state’s Office of Tourism was able to help Montana Wilderness Association create a 21st century tool for a tradition that is important to Montanans and essential to our quality of life.”

In addition to trails, there are also suggested places to eat and stay near the trail, like restaurants and other amenities. The advertising helps pay for the cost of the site.

Users can also suggest a trail or route via the web site’s interface.