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Black Eagle Memorial Island
4.7 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · Running trail in Great Falls, Montana · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Black Eagle Memorial Island's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic park featuring a dam and a gravel trail, plus picnic tables for relaxing on.
What runners say about Black Eagle Memorial Island
“Scenic and refreshing 20 minute walk to a panoramic view of the falls followed by a trip along a well worn path beside the rapids”
“Good place for a quiet walk on a gravel trail.”
It's nice and quiet. It has handicap access, with public restrooms and a few picnic tables placed along a well maintained gravel trail. The main point of interest is a view of Black Eagle Falls on the west end and an outlook of the Missouri on the east end where the trail ends.
This is a cute little area that helps you get out of the city without really having to leave the city! There are two little lookout areas to view the dam and then there's a gravel loop path that goes around the island.
Scenic and refreshing 20 minute walk to a panoramic view of the falls followed by a trip along a well worn path beside the rapids
Short drive down paved roads to an easily walkable bit of trails to view the dam and falls. A couple of informative signs tell you how the power plant works. We only did the dam lookout, not the whole trail.
Trail conditions & character
“The main point of interest is a view of Black Eagle Falls on the west end and an outlook of the Missouri on the east end where the trail ends.”
“There are two little lookout areas to view the dam and then there's a gravel loop path that goes around the island.”
“It has handicap access, with public restrooms and a few picnic tables placed along a well maintained gravel trail.”
“Good place for a quiet walk on a gravel trail.”
Plan your run at Black Eagle Memorial Island
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
Running trails near Great Falls
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Elks Riverside Park
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Green space, with playground, walking trails and picnic tables, lining the Missouri River.
Gibson Park
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Lush retreat featuring colorful gardens, paths, a duck pond, playground & a historic cabin.
West Bank Park
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Clean riverside park featuring a playground, walking trails, and picnic tables.
South Shore Trail Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Scenic space featuring paved and dirt trails for biking and hiking.
