Get out and explore on National Trails Day

Get Fit Great Falls' National Trails Day activities offer a great chance to check out a new hike, explore Great Falls or even try hiking for the first time.

"Our goal is really to give people a comfortable introduction so they'll explore more on their own," said Jane Weber, Cascade County Commissioner and National Trails Day Organizer.

National Trails Day is June 6 and Get Fit Great Falls has a wide variety of hikes and walks for everyone from experienced mountaineers to those with small kids just looking for a short stroll through town.

In all, the group is offering 16 hikes and walks this year.

"That's the highest number of hikes we've ever had," Weber said.

New this are two hikes in the Highwood Mountains.

A more difficult hike will go to the top of Highwood Baldy, the tallest peak in the mountain range. The steep route that first climbs up Windy Mountain is intended for those in good hiking shape.

A moderate hike in the Highwoods will explore the North Fork area.

"Both of those are brand new," Weber said.

One of the most popular hikes offered at National Trails Day is the hike up Square Butte. Square Butte is located on private land and requires landowner permission to access. The hike is offered twice due to its popularity.

Several hikes focus on families and kids. The North Fork hike in the Highwoods is a good option for families.

The Kiddos Playday Walk, is perfect for pre-school to early elementary aged kids. The walk through Elks Riverside Park features as much playing as walking.

"They'll have a few activities to do as a group," Weber said.

The Playday Walk is led by Great Falls Public Schools educator Miranda Murray.

Children who are a little older will enjoy the Kiddos and Grownups Hike led by Great Falls Public School Superintendent Tammy Lacey.

The two-hour, three-mile walk will meander through Garden Home Park, a fun natural area hidden in the heart of the city on the west bank of the Missouri River.

"At the end there is a little beach," Weber said.

Kids will have a chance to take off their shoes and dip their toes in the water. It's a great hike for kids who are active and inquisitive.

Two other walks will focus on exploring historic aspects of Great Falls.

Great Falls author and former Tribune writer Carol Bradley will lead a stroll through the historic north side residential area. A member of the Historic Preservation Advisory Council, Bradley will explain the history of Great Falls' oldest homes. The walk is one mile and lasts about an hour.

Another walk focuses on historic churches. Suzanne Waring will lead that walk, which is only 16 blocks long, and will explain a bit about the era when the churches were built and the religion practiced within their walls.

Another hike that focuses on history is the Old North Trail Hike. Al Wiseman, a Metis and member of the Little Shell Band of the Chippewa, will lead the hike.

"Al is extremely knowledgeable," Weber said.

He'll talk about the history of the 12,000-year-old route and point out tepee rings and other cultural sites. The hike is two miles long, but lasts about seven hours, as the group will stop often to learn about what they're seeing.

All hikes depart from Gibson Park, the first leaving at 9 a.m. and the last at 10:45 a.m.

Even hikes out of town will leave from the park, which allows groups to carpool.

The hikes are free but reservations are required.

"We try to limit the hikes to 15 (people)," Weber said.

Hikes do typically fill up so reservations should be made as soon as possible.

If you're not sure which hike would be the best fit for you, you can call and ask for details about the hikes.

If a hike is full, you can be added to the waiting list.

If your plans change after you're registered, be sure to call and cancel your reservation in advance.

"If you register and then you don't want to go, we have waiting lists," Weber said.

On the morning of June 6, hikers should arrive at Gibson Park 15 minutes before their hike to check in.

Leave dogs at home and come prepared with water, a lunch, extra layers and a rain jacket. Hiking poles are also recommended.

Numerous booths will be set up at Gibson Park the morning of June 6, so even if you don't plan to go on a hike, you can learn about groups such as the Montana Wilderness Association, Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon and the Medicine River Canoe Club.

Join a hike

All National Trails Day hikes are free, but preregistration is required by calling 406-791-7700.

For more information on the hikes, visit www.getfitgreatfalls.org.