HomeMontanaHelena › Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Spring Meadow Lake State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 620 Google reviews · Running trail in Helena, Montana · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Spring Meadow Lake 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.

ScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

This 61-acre state park features an artificial lake with swimming & fishing, plus a nature trail.

What runners say about Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (620 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 8 mentions

“Well kept park with several trail options including pavement, dirt and gravel.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“By working together, we ensure that Montana stays beautiful for everyone to enjoy.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Family friendly, clean, and the park staff are so friendly and knowledgeable.”

Well kept park with several trail options including pavement, dirt and gravel. Great to walk around and enjoy a view of the mountain. There is a body of water, several trails, and a dock. There is also a pavilion for rent and several picnic tables and beaches scattered throughout the park.

★★★★★ — Mk , Dec 2021

Explored around the lake on the walking trails. Relaxing and fun. Not too crowded and I saw people enjoying fishing and paddle boarding as well.

★★★★★ — Austin , Jun 2021

Hands down my favorite place to walk. Family friendly, clean, and the park staff are so friendly and knowledgeable.

★★★★★ — Sam , Jun 2025

I've been coming here my whole life. You are bound to see wildlife, probably step in some geese droppings at some point and you'll definitely run into other people. There is a great trail to walk on, swimming, free life jackets for kids to use, bathrooms, picnic tables and even a pavilion.

★★★★☆ — Stephanie , Jun 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 620 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“By working together, we ensure that Montana stays beautiful for everyone to enjoy.”

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🚻 Restrooms 6 mentions

“There is plenty of parking, paved walking paths, beach/swimming areas, some fishing, picnic tables, restrooms and grassy places to play.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“I brought my dog for a walk and we both enjoyed exploring the park.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“So, grab your fishing rods, bring your little ones, and immerse yourself in the serenity of this quiet retreat.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 2 mentions

“There is plenty of parking, paved walking paths, beach/swimming areas, some fishing, picnic tables, restrooms and grassy places to play.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

“This is a nice, accessible, family friendly little park.”

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Plan your run at Spring Meadow Lake State Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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) 466-1224
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–10 PM
Thursday 6 AM–10 PM
Friday 6 AM–10 PM
Saturday 6 AM–10 PM
Sunday 6 AM–10 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Spring Meadow Lake State Park

2715 Country Club Ave, Helena, MT 59620

Get directions

Running trails near Helena

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Tenmile Creek Park

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10 miShadedScenicDog-friendly

Relaxed destination for walking, hiking, running or biking trails and a creek.

under a mile away

Mount Helena

4.8 ★★★★★ 125 reviews

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ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Multiple trails up a mountain peak with limestone cliffs, prairie wildflowers & ponderosa pine.

1.7 miles away

Mount Helena Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 62 reviews

Helena, MT

Scenic

2.1 miles away

2.1 miles away

Nature Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 80 reviews

Helena, MT

PavedScenic

Paved trail around a former gold-dredging site plus a park with a brook and wildlife.

2.1 miles away

Centennial Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 416 reviews

Helena, MT

Dog-friendly

Community resource featuring kids' playgrounds, multipurpose trails, fields & a dog park.

2.3 miles away

All running trails in Helena, MT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.