Best running trails in Montana
Ranked by the runners who actually run there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 20,977 reviews of Montana trails. A trail needs at least 25 reviews to qualify (37 in Montana do) and each name appears once. Nobody pays for a place. Updated 2026.
The 20 below run across 7 cities, 5 of them paved, 4 loops, 2 shaded, and 7 with a stated distance. This is a popularity ranking, not a difficulty score — for what a trail is actually like underfoot, open its page for surface, loop distance, shade, lighting, restrooms and parking.
Gibson Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,688 reviews
Lush retreat featuring colorful gardens, paths, a duck pond, playground & a historic cabin.
Woodland Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,109 reviews
Green zone with a picnic shelter & playground, 2 duck ponds & an adjacent seasonal water park.
Spring Meadow Lake State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 620 reviews
This 61-acre state park features an artificial lake with swimming & fishing, plus a nature trail.
Gallatin County Regional Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 570 reviews
This 87-acre park features mixed-use trails, a playground, climbing boulders, a dog park & more.
Peets Hill/Burke Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 499 reviews
Green space featuring a popular hiking trail & a hill with scenic views & wintertime sledding.
Swords Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 504 reviews
Unspoiled natural site on 60 acres offering year-round hiking & biking & seasonal picnicking.
Lawrence Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 419 reviews
Clean, well-kept area featuring 18-hole disc golf, climbs, ziplines and a playground.
Centennial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 416 reviews
Community resource featuring kids' playgrounds, multipurpose trails, fields & a dog park.
College 'M' Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 353 reviews
Tourist attraction featuring a hiking trail with scenic views at the top.
Four Dances Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 213 reviews
Lookout points as well as steep trails featuring cliffs and river access on the Yellowstone River.
Shiloh Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Preserve featuring paved pathways and a pond for fishing, plus bird-watching.
Skyline Dog Park/ Kids Fishing Pond
4.6 ★★★★★ 188 reviews
Large park for dogs and their parents featuring fenced play areas: a water fountain and a fishing pond for kids.
Sourdough/Bozeman Creek Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 181 reviews
Well-maintained trail stretching on for dozen miles, featuring creek views.
Triple Tree Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 167 reviews
Hiking area with varied terrain, including creeks, and meadows, as well as diverse plant life.
Where these trails are
The cities in this ranking, if you'd rather start from where you live.