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Hell's Half Acre (south trails)
4.7 ★★★★★ 256 Google reviews · Running trail in Blackfoot, Idaho · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hell's Half Acre (south trails)'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.
What runners say about Hell's Half Acre (south trails)
“A very interesting sight and easy to walk the bathrooms are a bonus and they are very clean”
“The paved path, clear signage, and stunning volcanic rock formations make for a truly memorable experience.”
“What made this hike particularly special was the fact that it was suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.”
August 22, 2021. A nice surprise. I've driven by here from time to time during my life but for once, I pulled over. I went to the top of the building before taking the little hike. It's all sidewalk so I didn't even need to change shoes.
I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Hell's Half Acre trail and I must say, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. What made this hike particularly special was the fact that it was suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.
The walks here are beautiful and well kept. I highly recommend a stop and stroll. They can be pretty long if you desire to go that far. And everything is cool looking with the lava flows. There are nice signs along the way to explain different natural finds and animals.
What a perfect diversion! These “south” trails are located at the rest stop. Clean bathroom, but some barriers to entry for wheelchair users. The path is paved, and provides some benches for those who need a break. A more ambulatory wheelchair user will be ok, but someone that requires help will definitely need it.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful short loop that is very worth a quick stop doing your drive!”
“There is a paved path through the area of extensive lava with great interpretive signs.”
“Beautiful short loop that is very worth a quick stop doing your drive!”
“It's really cool to see the rock formations formed by the lava flows and there is a nice little observation deck with bathrooms and vending machines.”
“This interpretive trail has two loops; one easy one that is wheelchair accessible and one 45 minute one that is foot traffic only.”
“The trails were well marked and maintained and the signage was helpful in understanding the topography and vegetation.”
“Well-maintained paved path from rest area parking lot.”
Plan your run at Hell's Half Acre (south trails)
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Blackfoot
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
