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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 18 mi (29 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Lariat
Elevation: +1,003/ -993 ft
Total: 23 riders
Mountain Biking South Shore Trail System
#32 of 265 mountain bike trails in Montana
The trail is almost all singletrack with multiple loop options in the lariat/lollipop design.
The trails closer to the river are more technical in both design and exposure while the trails on the prairie are a bit tamer.
The trails closer to the TH are well traveled both by bikes and hikers. As you get farther out there are fewer and fewer of both. Some of the trails closer to the end of the loop have a real back country feel to them.
First added by Jared13 on Aug 18, 2013. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: yes
- Fat bike grooming: yes
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From River Dr, turn onto Giant Springs Rd. Continue heading northeast on Giant Springs Rd and go under the RR tracks bridge. Drive up the hill and park in the second parking lot on your left (Lewis and Clark Scenic Overlook.) Jump on the bike back and just after the post the sign and singletrack will be on your left.
From the Rainbow Dam TH looping out to Cochran Dam and back is just under 10 miles. There is a paved trail down to the lookout, but if you go left right at the start you will be on a fast and flowy blue square single track all the way down. Once you pass the lookout and drop down into a coulee you'll cross a bridge and have to make a steep climb back up. Once you reach the top you'll see a sign that gives you the option to stay right (on the blue), or take a left onto a black called Chaos. If you're not afraid of exposure or heights go left! Chaos is a blast to ride. Very exposed and technical, but all the flowy up and down forces you to keep your speed under control. There are blind corners, rocky sections with drops, and narrow twists and turns to look out for. Very fun to ride and the river is gorgeous! Be careful though because it would be quite the plummet down! Bring plenty of water.
| Thanklove all the little technical spots, one of the things we have noticed is that every area has a different way of rating the trails. We found that all the difficult areas were easy enough for us to do
| ThankGood single track, well maintained. Steep in sections requiring technical knowledge. Options along the trails to switch between blue/black. Great views of the river & dams along the way....but can get crowded during peak hours.
| ThankAs a fairly new rider, I really enjoyed this trail. I had only ridden on forest trails and I liked the open grassland ride. Mostly open flowing trail, but enough descents & climbs on the 50 to 70 foot cliff along the Missouri River to test all but the best of riders. Definitely worth your time if you find yourself in Great Falls. Great views of the Missouri the entire trail.
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