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Tags:
Level: Advanced
Length: 5 mi (8 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Out & Back
Elevation: +462/ -458 ft
Total: 21 riders
 

Mountain Biking North Shore

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#33 of 265 mountain bike trails in Montana
#2,744 in the world

While still a prairie ride, this one is consistently entertaining with swooping singletrack across the plains and technical, exposed moves on the cliffs above the Missouri River. By starting at the east trailhead, you get to go uphill and against the wind on the way out and more downhill with the ever present wind at your back on the return. From the Morony trailhead, it's about 3.5 mi to the Ryan trailhead. The trail does continue further west from the western (ryan) trailhead to a great overlook above Ryan Island (about .5 mi) and about another mile beyond that before running into a dirt road. About three miles of dirt road will bring you to the Rainbow dam which may be corssed on certain summer weekends to connect to the Rivers Edge trail for an epic ride. Whichever direction you go, it's generally best to take the forks that go closest to the river as they give the best scenery and the most technical entertainment. Parts of this ride are not very well travelled and seem very remote, so be self sufficient. Beware, there are a couple technical moves that, if you fall the wrong way, will plunge you into the unforgiving river far below with no place to exit among the cliffs. This ride is a great way to get away without driving too far.

First added by John Fisch on Dec 31, 2007. Last updated May 1, 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.
Getting there
Head Norhteast from Great Falls on Havre Highway 87. A couple miles from town, there will be a right turn that is signed for Ryan and Morony Dams. When you get to the right turn (about 7 miles) to Ryan Dam (signed) you can take it to the west trailhead or continue on straight to the Morony Dam (east) trailhead--a slightly longer drive, but it makes for a better ride (see description for why). As the road descends toward the river, look for an old brick house and park in the lot there. Cross the road from the lot and go through the gate to hit the singletrack. There is also a trail that goes east, but it is closed to bikes.


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Good (Aug 18, 2024)
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Mountain Bike Trails Near Great Falls, Montana

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Advanced | 3 mi

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