Poudre River Trail
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Poudre River Trail

4.6
·491k reviews·Fort Collins, United States

A scenic ribbon of trails along the Poudre River, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and access to unique venues like The Mishawaka.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Poudre River Trail

Poudre River Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic ribbon of trails along the Poudre River, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and access to unique venues like The Mishawaka.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"From challenging canyon hikes to leisurely riverside strolls, the Poudre River Trail offers something for every outdoor enthusiast."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Shuttle to The Mish

Limited parking at The Mishawaka? Use the shuttle service for easy access to this unique venue!

👟 Trail Shoes Recommended

For hikes in Poudre Canyon, sturdy shoes are a must. Some trails can be rugged!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mishawaka Amphitheater

Mishawaka Amphitheater

Poudre Canyon

Iconic music venue and restaurant nestled in Poudre Canyon, offering live music and stunning riverside views.

Horsetooth Falls Trail

Horsetooth Falls Trail

Near Fort Collins

A popular, accessible hike with a beautiful waterfall, perfect for families and offering great views after spring runoff.

Poudre River Trail (Greeley Section)

Poudre River Trail (Greeley Section)

Greeley

A 21-mile paved path perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying riverside scenery, with access to parks and dining.

Grey Rock Trail

Grey Rock Trail

Poudre Canyon

A challenging hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Poudre River Trail Adventure

Beat the crowds and enjoy the best of the Poudre River Trail by visiting during weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Weekends can get busy with locals and tourists enjoying the scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Consider the season; fall offers stunning foliage, while summer is ideal for water activities.

Navigating the Poudre River Trail System

The Poudre River Trail is an extensive network, so familiarize yourself with a map before you go. While popular sections are well-maintained, some areas in Poudre Canyon might require more rugged footwear. Check for any trail closures or advisories, especially after inclement weather.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Stunning autumn colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures, river access
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fall in Fort Collins, Colorado 🍂 #fortcollins #colorado #fall #seasons
@leviscrivnerfitness
10.3K likes • 59.5K views

🚗 Shuttle to The Mish

Limited parking at The Mishawaka? Use the shuttle service for easy access to this unique venue! TikTok

👟 Trail Shoes Recommended

For hikes in Poudre Canyon, sturdy shoes are a must. Some trails can be rugged! TikTok

The Mishawaka aka The Mish is an awesome music venue and restaurant in the Pouder Canyon in Northern Colorado. It’s a definite must see if you come visit Fort Collins! #themish #fortcollins #thingstodo #colorado
@nicole.outdoors
5.2K likes • 79.3K views
Happy First Day Of Fall! Here’s some of my favorite places for golden hour, crisp air, and stunning fall colors 🍂✨ If you’re in Fort Collins, don’t miss these spots for the perfect autumn views: 🍁 RIVERBEND PONDS NATURAL AREA – Serene lakes reflecting vibrant leaves 🍂 ARAPAHO BEND NATURAL AREA – Quiet trails with bursts of color all around ✨ POUDRE RIVER TRAIL - Follow the winding river th...
livearadlife_
715 likes • 18.4K views

🎣 Fly Fishing Hotspots

The Poudre River is a prime spot for fly fishing, especially for trout. Early mornings can be best! TikTok

🗺️ Download Trail Maps

Cell service can be spotty in Poudre Canyon. Download offline maps for navigation. TikTok

The first significant extension of the Poudre River Trail in at least four years has begun with crews working to complete one of three gaps left on the 45-mile trail. Tap the link in our bio to read the full story.
coloradoan
802 likes • 16.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Shuttle to The Mish

Limited parking at The Mishawaka? Use the shuttle service for easy access to this unique venue! TikTok

👟 Trail Shoes Recommended

For hikes in Poudre Canyon, sturdy shoes are a must. Some trails can be rugged! TikTok

🎣 Fly Fishing Hotspots

The Poudre River is a prime spot for fly fishing, especially for trout. Early mornings can be best! TikTok

🗺️ Download Trail Maps

Cell service can be spotty in Poudre Canyon. Download offline maps for navigation. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Options

Some sections of the Poudre River Trail, like in Greeley, are dog-friendly. Always check local rules! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Poudre River Trail's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, from scenic hikes in Poudre Canyon to accessible biking paths in Fort Collins. The Mishawaka Amphitheater is a unique highlight. Some find parking challenging at popular spots, and cell service can be spotty in the canyon.

What People Like

Stunning natural scenery
Abundant outdoor activities
Accessible trail sections

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Spotty cell service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Poudre River Trail has multiple access points. In Fort Collins, you can easily hop on near downtown at Linden Street and the Poudre River.Instagram For Poudre Canyon, driving west from Fort Collins will lead you to various trailheads and points of interest like The Mishawaka.TikTok If you're coming from Denver, consider it a day trip with stops in Greeley.Instagram

Parking availability varies. Popular spots like The Mishawaka have limited parking, often requiring a shuttle.TikTok Natural areas and trailheads along the trail offer parking, but it can fill up on busy days. Consider public transport or biking to trail access points where possible.

Absolutely! The Poudre River Trail is a central part of Fort Collins, with easy access points downtown Instagram and near natural areas like Riverbend Ponds.Instagram It's a great way to explore the city and its natural surroundings.

Driving through Poudre Canyon offers stunning views and access to trailheads. Many visitors enjoy combining a scenic drive with hikes like Horsetooth Falls TikTok or Grey Rock,TikTok or visiting the Mishawaka Amphitheater.TikTok

Shuttle services are primarily available for specific venues like the Mishawaka Amphitheater to manage parking.TikTok For general trail access, personal vehicles or local transport are the main options.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no. The Poudre River Trail itself is a public access area and does not require tickets. However, specific venues along the trail, such as the Mishawaka Amphitheater for concerts, will require tickets for entry.TikTok

Accessing the Poudre River Trail and most trailheads is free. Some natural areas might have parking fees, but the trail itself is open to the public without charge. Concerts or events at venues like The Mishawaka will have associated ticket costs.TikTok

The Poudre River Trail is generally accessible year-round, from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities or venues along the trail will have their own operating hours. Always check the hours for any specific destination you plan to visit.

Yes, there are camping options, including dispersed camping in Poudre Canyon.TikTok It's advisable to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season, through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, or by checking with local forest service information.

While official guided tours for the entire trail might be limited, local outfitters often offer guided fishing trips TikTok or hiking excursions in Poudre Canyon. Checking with local tourism boards or outdoor adventure companies is recommended.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Poudre River Trail is perfect for a variety of activities! You can enjoy hiking,TikTok biking,Instagram running,Instagram fishing,TikTok birdwatching, and simply strolling along the river. Poudre Canyon also offers opportunities for rock climbing and kayaking in certain areas.

Yes, Poudre Canyon is renowned for its hiking trails! Popular options include the challenging Grey Rock Trail TikTok with its stunning views, and the more accessible Horsetooth Falls Trail.TikTok Many other trails offer varying difficulty levels and scenic beauty.TikTok

Many sections of the Poudre River Trail are family-friendly, especially paved portions in Fort Collins and Greeley.Instagram Hikes like Horsetooth Falls are also great for kids.TikTok Always assess the trail difficulty and your children's abilities.

You might spot various wildlife, including deer, various bird species (including condors Instagram), and smaller mammals. The river itself supports fish populations, making it a popular spot for anglers.TikTok

Restroom availability varies. Developed parks and trailheads often have facilities. In more remote areas of Poudre Canyon, restrooms may be less common, so plan accordingly. Carrying a portable restroom or knowing Leave No Trace principles is advisable.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

In Fort Collins, you'll find numerous dining options near trail access points. Poudre Canyon is home to the unique Mishawaka Amphitheater, which offers food and drinks.TikTok Greeley also has dining options near its section of the trail.Instagram

The most notable dining spot in Poudre Canyon is the Mishawaka Amphitheater, which serves food and hosts concerts.TikTok+1 Other options are limited, so packing a picnic is a great idea for longer excursions.

Absolutely! Many scenic spots along the Poudre River Trail are perfect for picnics. Pack your own food and enjoy the natural beauty. Some parks may have picnic tables available.

Fort Collins is known for its craft breweries, many of which are accessible from the Poudre River Trail. Some users have mentioned enjoying beer by the water after a ride.Instagram

For a day trip, packing a picnic is highly recommended. If you're looking for a meal, the Mishawaka Amphitheater is a unique option.TikTok In Greeley, Coyote's Grill is mentioned as a good spot with large portions.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire Poudre River Trail offers fantastic photo opportunities. Poudre Canyon provides dramatic mountain vistas and riverside shots.TikTok Fall colors are spectacular,TikTokInstagram and the Mishawaka Amphitheater offers a unique backdrop.TikTok

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Fall colors are particularly vibrant during this time.Instagram

The Mishawaka Amphitheater,TikTok Horsetooth Falls,TikTok and the panoramic views from Grey Rock TikTok are popular photographic subjects. The river itself, with its bridges and surrounding nature, also makes for great shots.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or capturing the river's flow.

Yes, you can take photos at the Mishawaka Amphitheater, especially during the day or before a concert. However, check their specific policies regarding professional photography or during performances.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Poudre River Trail offers fantastic family-friendly experiences. The paved sections in Fort Collins and Greeley are perfect for strollers and young cyclists.Instagram The Horsetooth Falls Trail is a manageable hike with a rewarding waterfall, making it a hit with children.TikTok Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed outing.

🎣 Anglers and Fly Fishing Enthusiasts

The Poudre River is a well-known destination for fly fishing, particularly for trout.TikTok+1 Anglers can find numerous access points along the trail, especially in Poudre Canyon. Early mornings and late afternoons often yield the best results. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before casting your line.

🚴 Cyclists and Bikers

The Poudre River Trail is a cyclist's dream, with extensive paved sections ideal for road biking and leisurely rides.Instagram For mountain bikers, Poudre Canyon offers more challenging off-road trails. Many locals use the trail for commuting or recreational rides, enjoying the scenic routes and fresh air.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Poudre Canyon: A Scenic Escape

Poudre Canyon, west of Fort Collins, is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. The Poudre River Trail winds through this stunning landscape, offering access to a variety of activities. Visitors often drive the scenic route, stopping at trailheads for hikes or simply to enjoy the river's presence.TikTok The canyon is particularly beautiful in the fall, with vibrant foliage painting the mountainsides.TikTokInstagram

Key attractions within the canyon include the Mishawaka Amphitheater, a historic music venue and restaurant right on the river,TikTok+1 and numerous hiking trails. Horsetooth Falls Trail is a popular, family-friendly option,TikTok while the Grey Rock Trail offers a more challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views.TikTok For those seeking solitude, dispersed camping opportunities are available.TikTok

Poudre River Trail: A Hub for Recreation

The Poudre River Trail is more than just a path; it's a vital recreational artery for Fort Collins and beyond. In Fort Collins, the trail is paved and easily accessible, making it ideal for biking,Instagram running,Instagram and leisurely strolls.Instagram It connects various parks, natural areas, and even the downtown core, offering a seamless blend of urban and natural experiences.Instagram

The trail extends for miles, with sections in Greeley also offering a pleasant experience for walkers and cyclists.Instagram Anglers find the Poudre River a prime spot for fly fishing,TikTok+1 with many enjoying the tranquility of casting lines by the water. The trail system is continuously being improved, with ongoing efforts to connect remaining gaps, enhancing its accessibility and appeal for all users.Instagram

Outdoor Adventures in the Poudre River Area

The Poudre River and its surrounding areas are a playground for outdoor adventurers. Hiking is a major draw, with trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs, offering diverse scenery from waterfalls to mountain vistas.TikTok+1 The river itself provides opportunities for fishing,TikTok+1 and in certain conditions, kayaking or tubing can be enjoyed, offering a refreshing way to experience the water.TikTok

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