Celebrate National Trails Day in Montana's Yellowstone Country!

Tomorrow is National Trails Day, an event organized by the American Hiking Society, to encourage people to discover, maintain and celebrate their local trail networks. It’s a day meant to inspire community members to leave the trails better than they found them. For us here in Montana’s Yellowstone Country, our trails are vast, gorgeous and among our greatest assets, so respecting and protecting them is a top priority.

Do Your Part

There are several ways you can get involved. In addition to participating in designated events in our area, you can take small actions whenever you use a trail. First and foremost, stay on the trail. Cutting corners on switchbacks or other shortcuts causes erosion. Avoid trails when wet and muddy, especially in the spring. Leave the flowers for the bees! Our wildflowers are spectacular, but the bees need them to survive, and we need the bees. Plus, the seeds need to remain in place for the flowers to germinate the next year.

Be Respectful

Be friendly to other trail users; a smile, nod or wave is standard practice in this neck of the woods. And be sure to yield properly; bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to horses. Please don’t play music out loud; most people enjoy the quiet of the outdoors. And finally, respect private land and property rights, neighbors to the trail, government agencies working on trails, and, of course, the beautiful wildlife.

Be Bear Aware

And of course, be bear aware. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, torn up logs or scratches on trees. It's good practice to recreate in a group and be sure to talk to one another so you don't surprise unknowing bears. The National Forest Service does not recommend bear bells as they are not a natural sound and could entice curiosity. Watch for thick brush and heavy tree stands which is prime habitat for bears to feed and rest. Be careful near berries and water sources, particularly in the fall months when they are foraging. And finally, avoid the trails during dawn, dusk or at night when bears are most active.

You can find bear spray rental locations here.

Join the Summer Trails Challenge

It’s not too late to join the Gallatin Valley Land Trust’s Summer Trails Challenge. Through the month of June, log your hiking, walking, biking and running trail miles. Each mile earns a $1 donation from the Sponsor Match Pool, funded by local businesses. Last year, they raised $100,000 for our trail systems in Gallatin Valley.