Home › Montana › Billings › Lake Elmo State Park
Lake Elmo State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,137 Google reviews · Running trail in Billings, Montana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Elmo State Park'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.
This 64-acre park features a lake with swimming, boating & fishing, plus a 1.4-mi. hiking trail.
What runners say about Lake Elmo State Park
“It is peaceful and beautiful despite being in the midst of houses on all sides.”
“A trail circles the lake - easy hike.”
Beautiful little lake. Fishing, swimming, and dog-friendly. Path all around the lake.
Visited May 26, 2022 Visited June 11, 2022 May 2022 went to Lake Elmo State Park with Belle and Fletcher in Billings Montana #lakeelmo #montana #fletcher Visited June 15, 2022 June 18, 2022 With friends and family June 2022 went with the family to Lake Elmo State Park in Billings Montana #lakeelmo #statepark #montana…
We enjoyed paddle boarding here & my boys love collecting all the little shells, looking for crawdads, they even found a big clam this time. We also walk with their metal detectors on the beach. But we choose not to really swim because their is always at least 3 or 4 dead fish floating near by along with seaweed.
The lake was drained to eliminate invasive clams and mussels and restocked with a variety of fish and new fish habitat was added. New fishing access areas were put in place, dead trees removed, and the trail improved as well. While we haven't caught any fish yet others have hutvthe fish are still growing.
Trail conditions & character
“It is peaceful and beautiful despite being in the midst of houses on all sides.”
“We noticed a nice little dog park a bit of a walk away from parking.”
“Nice little lake with many picnic tables, restrooms, playground, and plenty of parking.”
“The path is paved about halfway around and gravel the other half.”
“Nice little lake with many picnic tables, restrooms, playground, and plenty of parking.”
“Not too stroller friendly on the gravel but we managed it fine.”
Plan your run at Lake Elmo State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitestateparks.mt.gov
- Phone(406) 247-2940
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Billings
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Two Moon Park
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Swords Park
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Four Dances Trailhead
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