Great Northern Historical Trail

The trail is consistently rated as Easy with a 'Green' difficulty level. It features minimal elevation changes, making it highly suitable for families and casual touring cyclists. It's an ideal route for beginners.

As a 'rails-to-trails' conversion, the Great Northern Historical Trail is predominantly paved and generally flat. This makes it suitable for a variety of bicycles, including gravel bikes. While largely smooth, some sections may run alongside highways.

Cyclists are treated to expansive views of the surrounding mountains, including the Swan, Mission, Salish, and Whitefish ranges. The trail winds through picturesque pastures and fields, offering opportunities for wildlife observation. It also begins near Kalispell Bay, adjacent to Flathead Lake, and concludes at the Smith Lake Waterfowl Reserve.

The trail connects the lakeside town of Somers, through Kalispell, and extends west to Kila. Multiple parking areas are available along the route for easy access in these towns.

The trail offers beautiful scenery, especially in colder weather with light snow. However, for touring cycling, spring through fall generally provides the most comfortable conditions. Always check local weather before you go.

Yes, the trail is a multi-use pathway with an easy grade, making it particularly family-friendly. Dogs are generally allowed on trails in the Flathead Valley, but always ensure they are on a leash and you clean up after them.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for day use on the Great Northern Historical Trail itself. As it's a multi-use trail, standard regulations for public lands apply, such as packing out what you pack in.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Great Northern Rail Trail and the Rails to Trails Walk and Bike Path.

Yes, you'll find convenient bike repair stations in both Somers and Kila. The trail also passes through Kalispell, where you can find various cafes, pubs, and other amenities.

The trail offers opportunities for wildlife observation as it winds through pastures and fields. It also concludes at the Smith Lake Waterfowl Reserve, which is a great spot for birdwatching and observing local nature.

The trail spans approximately 22 to 22.6 miles (35.4 to 36.4 km) one way. A typical touring cyclist might complete the 20.3 km (12.6 miles) section highlighted on komoot in about 1 hour and 11 minutes, but allow more time to enjoy the scenery and stops.