Lewistown City Trails

The Lewistown City Trail system (view map) offers over 25 miles of trails linking our schools, parks, ponds, landmarks and downtown. With much of the trail system meandering along Big Spring Creek, the trails offer the perfect year-round, outdoor opportunity for wildlife watching, walking, running and biking. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.

The main trailhead and park is located on E. Main St near the Yogo Inn and Creekside Park. From the trailhead there are several trails to choose from, all offering scenic views of the winding creek and grassy recreation areas. Brewery Flats, Carroll Trail/Machler FAS and the Frog Ponds also offer trailhead parking and several trail choices.

Much of the trail system was developed on the former railroad bed of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad. The abandoned railroad tracks were removed to form 10-foot wide paths for outdoor activities. The trails within the city limits have been improved with crushed gravel or asphalt. Many trails near Big Spring Creek are rustic with limited improvements. The 8 mile reach west of Lewistown is still unimproved but there are long-term plans to improve that and other areas with crushed gravel.

The Lewistown Trail system is funded by leases on the BNSF railroad right of way which supply sufficient funds for a trails supervisor. The non-profit, “Friends of the Trails,” provides guidance and raises additional funds.

Trail donations can be sent to FOT, 309 5th Ave S., Lewistown, MT 59457 or to the Central Montana Foundation (with Friends of the Trails listed in the information section). You can also donate to the Lewistown, Friends of the Trails, on AMAZON SMILE. Simply log into your Amazon account on Amazon Smile at https://smile.amazon.com/ and start shopping.