Helena National Forest

Recreational Activities

Mountain Biking

The Helena National Forest does not have trails specifically designated for mountain biking. However, biking is allowed on all trails except those located in the Gates Of The Mountains and Scapegoat Wilderness areas.

While many Forest trails are either too steep or rocky to promote as good mountain bike routes, several are popular with local mountain bikers. In addition to trails, several roads provide mountain bike opportunities. Included is a short list of trails and roads which can be used for mountain biking:

Helena Ranger District

Lava Mountain Trail #244 (Located near Park Lark). Originally developed as an OHV trail, this 8 mile trail is wide but has several steep segments. It provides access to Cataract Basin on the Deerlodge National Forest. Access is via Grizzly Gulch Road 137, then Forest Road 4000 to Lump Gulch Road 4009. The trailhead is approx. 1 mile north of Park Lake.

Mount Helena Ridge Trail #373 (Adjacent to Helena). This 6 mile trail begins at the Park City Trailhead and ends at the Mount Helena City Park. The trail offers vistas to distant mountains, and wildflowers in season, but does have several very steep segments. Access is via Grizzly Gulch Road 137 approx. 5 miles to the Park City Trailhead.

Hahn Creek Road System (Near Telegraph Creek). Several miles of old logging roads, now closed to motorized use, provide excellent mountain bike opportunities. Access is via Highway 12 near Elliston, then south on the Little Blackfoot Road 227 approx. 3 mi. to the Hahn Creek Road, then approx. 4 miles to a gate. Park about 200 yards before the gate.

Hidden Valley Road System (Hogback Lookout area). Several miles of old logging roads, closed yearlong to motorized use, provide good mountain bike opportunities. Please note, this road system contains several steep grades. Because this area is high in elevation, biking is limited to the period of July through September. You could stay at nearby historic Indian Flats Cabin (call the Helena Ranger District to rent). Access is via York, then north on Road 224 to Nelson, then northeast and south on Forest Road 138 past Indian Flats cabin approx. 2 miles to Road 4119 and a gate. Note: While Road 138 has light vehicle traffic it is also available for mountain bike use.

Townsend Ranger District

Belt Crest Trail (North of Confederate Gulch). This 4 wheel drive road is approximately 9 miles in length. It is a moderate to difficult ride due to several steep pitches. This old road follows the crest of the Big Belt Mountain Range and is in open rolling country with good vistas of the Helena Valley to the west and the Smith River Valley to the east. Due to the high elevation, mountain biking use is limited to June - September. Access is via the Confederate Gulch Road # 287, at the top of the divide.

Belt Crest Trail 118 (South of Confederate Gulch. This trail is approximately 10 miles in length and could be rated difficult, due to steep pitches and a narrow tread of 18" to 24" tread. The trail crosses over Boulder/Baldy Mountain, passes within 1 mile of Boulder Lakes, and ends at Duck Creek Pass. Due to the high elevation and tree canopy, use of the trail is limited to mid-June - September. Access is via the Confederate Gulch Road # 287, at the top of the divide.

Forest Road #424 - Crow Creek Road. This road is approx. 10 miles in length. The route is open to motorized travel after May 15. Access is via Radersburg, then along the county gravel road west to the Forest Service gate. Good wildlife viewing opportunities during the period the road is closed.

Lincoln Ranger District

Flesher Pass to Stemple Pass (Trail 440) on the CDNST. The first 7 miles of the route between Flesher Pass and Page Gulch is moderately challenging. The last 3 miles from Page Gulch to Stemple Pass is an easy ride on a road. Use is light and includes motorcycles, some ORVs, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and skiing. Access to Flesher Pass is via Highway 279.

Marsh Creek Divide to Meyers Hill on the CDNST. Total length one way is 14 miles. Use on the first 7 miles to Nevada Mountain (on Trail 440) is light and includes hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. No motorized use. The 7-mile segment between Nevada Mountain and Meyers Hill (on Trail 337) receives similar use. Motorized use is allowed. Access is via the Poorman Road 689 (via Lincoln or Highway 279) to Stemple Pass, then south 6 miles on Forest Road 485 to Marsh Creek Divide.

Stemple Pass to Dalton Mountain. The first 6 miles to Marsh Creek Divide is an easy ride on Forest Road 485, which receives light motorized use. From Marsh Creek Divide to Dalton Mountain is 14 miles on Trail # 467, also open to motorized use. Access is along the Poorman Road #689 from Lincoln, or via Highway 279 with a turn onto the Poorman Road #689, then to Stemple Pass.

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 17 May 2007 at 16:18:12 EDT