South Hills Trail System - Image 1
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South Hills Trail System

4.6
·30 reviews·Helena, United States

Explore a vast network of rolling hills and scenic trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. A peaceful, dog-friendly escape with diverse routes...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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South Hills Trail System - Image 1

South Hills Trail System

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a vast network of rolling hills and scenic trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. A peaceful, dog-friendly escape with diverse routes for every adventurer.

4.6
(30 reviews)

"Well marked and map at the start is great for choosing your own adventure if you're new to the trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Keep Pets Leashed

Respect signs & other visitors. Off-leash dogs can cause issues. :dog:

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Essential for navigating the many branching paths and choosing your route. :world_map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ascension & Rodney Trails

Ascension & Rodney Trails

Trailhead

Explore a network of rolling hills, perfect for intermediate hikes and mountain biking. Offers diverse routes for a custom adventure.

Reddit
Old Shooting Range Trail

Old Shooting Range Trail

Davis Gulch

A recommended spot for solo hikers, offering varied difficulty levels and scenic vantage points.

Reddit
Peaceful & Clean Environment

Peaceful & Clean Environment

Various trailheads

Enjoy a serene escape with well-maintained paths, appreciated by visitors who respect the natural beauty.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Leash Up for a Smooth Visit

While dog-friendly, many visitors report off-leash pets causing issues. Keep your furry friends leashed to avoid encounters and respect posted signs for a peaceful experience for everyone. Reddit

Choose Your Adventure Wisely

With numerous branching trails, a map at the trailhead is your best friend for planning. Consider your fitness level, as some routes offer intermediate intensity and rolling hills, better suited for carriers than strollers. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you watch the whole thing you’re cool #Hiking #mtsthelens #mtsthelenssummit
@jocelyn_dorsey
127 likes • 2.1K views

🐾 Keep Pets Leashed

Respect signs & other visitors. Off-leash dogs can cause issues. Reddit :dog:

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Essential for navigating the many branching paths and choosing your route. Reddit :world_map:

reddit.com

Hikes for a solo woman

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Rolling hills and intermediate trails are better for hiking boots than strollers. :athletic_shoe:

🚴‍♀️ Mountain Biking Friendly

Many trails are well-suited for mountain biking enthusiasts. :mountain_bicyclist:

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Keep Pets Leashed

Respect signs & other visitors. Off-leash dogs can cause issues. Reddit :dog:

🗺️ Grab a Trail Map

Essential for navigating the many branching paths and choosing your route. Reddit :world_map:

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Rolling hills and intermediate trails are better for hiking boots than strollers. :athletic_shoe:

🚴‍♀️ Mountain Biking Friendly

Many trails are well-suited for mountain biking enthusiasts. :mountain_bicyclist:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(30 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the South Hills Trail System for its extensive network of well-marked trails, offering diverse options for hiking and mountain biking. It's a popular, dog-friendly spot appreciated for its peaceful and clean environment. However, some pet owners are cautioned about encountering off-leash dogs, suggesting vigilance and adherence to leash laws. Reddit+1

"Great place to bring your dogs for a walk. But most pet owners are careless with their pets. They let them go without a leash, and other dogs will approach your dogs. Be cautious. I keep mine on a leash because there are signs posted to keep pets leashed, but also so I'm not responsible when others dogs approach mine and get attacked."

Duke Rivera

"You can head on many directions from here..up Ascension or up Rodney, and ample decisions and directions from there. Well marked and map at the start is great for choosing your own adventure if you're new to the trails. Lots of bikes and walkers/runners launch from here, and the system is very dog friendly."

AC

"Lots of rolling hills for mountain biking or intermediate intensity for hiking. This is a carrier hike, rather than a jogging stroller situation."

Lauren Quebedeaux

What People Like

Extensive trail network
Dog-friendly atmosphere
Peaceful and clean

What People Dislike

Off-leash dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The South Hills Trail System is accessible via multiple trailheads. Popular access points include the main trailhead near the city, which often has ample parking. Some users mention specific trailheads like Davis Gulch for the Old Shooting Range Trail. Reddit

Yes, parking is generally available at the main trailheads. However, it can fill up, especially on weekends or during peak hiking hours. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Information on public transport access to the South Hills Trail System is limited. It's advisable to check local transit routes or plan for private transportation. TikTok

Absolutely! The system is extensive with numerous trailheads and access points, allowing for various starting points and loop hike options. Reddit

Using GPS navigation to the 'South Hills Trail System' or specific trailhead names like 'Davis Gulch' is usually effective. Online maps can also provide detailed access information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the South Hills Trail System is generally free to access. There are no admission fees required to enter the trails. :free:

The trails are typically open from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any temporary closures or specific hours. :clock1:

Parking at the South Hills Trail System trailheads is usually free. However, policies can change, so it's wise to confirm on-site signage. :parking:

There are no reservation systems for general access. For organized group events, it's best to contact local park authorities to inquire about permits or arrangements. :bustsinsilhouette:

Generally, no special permits are required for recreational activities like hiking or mountain biking. However, always be aware of local regulations. :mountain_bicyclist:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Yes, the trails are generally well-marked, and a map is usually available at the start of popular trailheads, which is very helpful for planning your route. Reddit

The terrain features rolling hills, making it suitable for intermediate hikers and mountain bikers. Some sections can be challenging, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Reddit

While some flatter sections might be manageable, many trails involve rolling hills and intermediate intensity, making them better suited for carriers than jogging strollers. Reddit

Yes, the system is very dog-friendly. However, visitors strongly advise keeping dogs leashed due to encounters with other pets. Reddit

Amenities can vary by trailhead, but typically include parking areas and trail maps. Restrooms are not always guaranteed, so plan accordingly. :toilet:

📸 📸 Photography

Look for elevated vantage points along trails like the Old Shooting Range Trail for scenic overlooks. The rolling hills and natural landscapes offer beautiful photo opportunities throughout the system. Reddit

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting that enhances the rolling hills and natural scenery. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer people. :camerawithflash:

While not explicitly landmarked, the varied terrain and expansive views from higher points serve as natural focal points for photography. Reddit

A versatile lens, like a zoom lens, can be useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing stable shots on uneven terrain. :camera:

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local park authorities or aviation guidelines before flying a drone to ensure compliance. :drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The South Hills Trail System offers a natural escape, but families with very young children should plan accordingly. While some flatter sections exist, many trails feature rolling hills and intermediate intensity, making them better suited for carriers than jogging strollers. Reddit The well-marked trails and available maps are helpful for keeping track of little ones. Reddit

Consider exploring shorter loops near the main trailhead to gauge your child's stamina and comfort level. The dog-friendly nature of the park can also be a hit with kids who love animals, provided all pets are leashed to ensure safety. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Hikers

For solo hikers, the South Hills Trail System offers a rewarding experience with several recommended routes. The Old Shooting Range Trail in Davis Gulch is specifically highlighted as a good option, providing varied difficulty and scenic views. Reddit The well-marked trails and the availability of maps at trailheads contribute to a sense of security and ease of navigation. Reddit

While the system is generally peaceful and well-maintained, it's always wise to inform someone of your hiking plans, including your intended route and expected return time. Being aware of your surroundings and respecting posted leash laws for dogs will ensure a smooth and enjoyable solo adventure. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails: A Hiker's Guide

The South Hills Trail System is a sprawling network with numerous interconnected paths, offering a true 'choose your own adventure' experience. Visitors consistently highlight the importance of consulting the trail map available at the trailhead to orient yourself and select routes that match your desired difficulty and length. Reddit Many trails feature rolling hills, providing a moderate challenge for hikers and a fun ride for mountain bikers. Reddit While generally well-marked, the sheer number of junctions means a little planning goes a long way to avoid getting turned around. Reddit

For those seeking specific experiences, the Old Shooting Range Trail in Davis Gulch is frequently recommended, particularly for solo hikers, as it offers a good balance of accessibility and scenic rewards. Reddit The system is known for its peaceful atmosphere and clean conditions, a testament to the respect visitors have for the natural environment. Reddit Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some of the more intermediate trails can be uneven. :athletic_shoe:

Pro Tip: If you're new to the area, consider starting with a shorter, clearly marked loop before venturing onto more complex sections. This allows you to get a feel for the terrain and trail marking system. Reddit

Dog-Friendly Adventures: Tips for Pet Owners

The South Hills Trail System is a popular destination for dog owners, offering ample space for canine companions to explore. However, a recurring theme in visitor feedback is the issue of off-leash dogs. Reddit While the trails are indeed dog-friendly, many pet owners strongly advise keeping your dog on a leash. This not only ensures compliance with posted signs but also helps prevent unwanted interactions with other dogs, which can sometimes lead to altercations. Reddit

Responsible pet ownership is key to maintaining the enjoyable and peaceful environment that many visitors appreciate. Reddit By keeping your dog leashed, you contribute to a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone, including your own pet. Remember to bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and always clean up after them. :dog:

Community Insight: Several reviews mention that while the trails are dog-friendly, the behavior of other owners can sometimes be a concern. Being prepared with a well-behaved, leashed dog is the best approach. Reddit

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