Approximately 3300 feet

The Foys to Blacktail Trails comprise a wide variety of non-motorized recreation opportunities just minutes from the Kalispell city limits. Most hikers, bikers and horseback riders utilize the trail network for short outings ranging from 30 minutes to a half-day.

Those who wish to "go the distance", however, can travel the entire length from Herron Park southwest of Kalispell to Blacktail Mountain west of Lakeside, a distance of about 15-20 miles depending on the route taken.

Most of the trails are on private property (including timber company property) though public access is allowed at present. There is currently no guarantee that public access to these trails will always be granted, so a local group (Foy's to Blacktail Trails Inc.) is actively working to raise the money necessary to secure permanent public access to the trails. www.foystoblacktailtrails.org

Access to wild lands just five miles from a rapidly urbanizing area is the single best feature of this trail network. Forested trails periodically open to reveal vistas of the Swan Range and some peaks in Glacier National Park, as well the Whitefish Range, Foy's Lake, the Smith Valley, and Flathead Lake, depending upon the section of trail you're on.

The trail has a friendly feel and users with dogs (on leashes please), mountain bikes and horses co-exist with little difficulty.

The number of users depends on the time of day and year. Sunny, warm weekend days in the late spring and early fall tend to bring out the most users, but the trail rarely feels "crowded", especially once you are a mile or more from the trailhead at Herron Park.

Because this trail is on private property and is mostly unimproved, trail quality varies. Users need to have common sense and should wear appropriate clothing and carry water and food. As with any trail, it is unwise to travel alone, particularly in an are a that is new to you.

The trails wind through a variety of western Montana timbered land with larch, Ponderosa pine, and fir trees. Wildflowers and, unfortunately, noxious weeds are both abundant. Extensive logging has occurred around the trail at various times; some growth is quite old, but most of the remaining timber is relatively young. The trails range from flat to steep, with varying degrees in between.

Trail surface varies widely from logging roads to single track. There are a few rocky portions of the trail; those planning to ride horses or mules for long distances on the trail should make sure their animals are shod.

Network ranges from short loops (1/2 mile or less) to full distance of approximately 20 miles.

Multiple Trailheads

Thirty minutes to 13 hours or more, depending on where you choose to go.

From Meridian Road in Kalispell, travel south until Meridian turns west onto Foy's Lake Road. Continue on Foy's Lake Road to Herron Park, approximately 1 mile after you past Foy's Lake. Park in the paved Herron Park lot (horse trailers must park slightly farther south near the horse stables).