Powell, Montana

Old Yellowstone Trail

Powell County has a vision to promote the aesthetics of its natural amenities, primarily the surrounding Rocky Mountains and the Clark Fork River. In 2016, they purchased over 7 miles of a historic railroad right-of-way and converted it into bike and pedestrian path. Three historic bridges over the Clark Fork were renovated, while maintaining their historic character. The County is currently designing Phase 2 of the project, which will add 4.5 miles to the trail and connect it into Deer Lodge.

Project Highlights

  • 7.5 miles new bike and pedestrian trail
  • 5 bridge rehabilitations (3 of which are over the Clark Fork River)
  • 2 trailhead/parking areas
  • 300 linear feet of bioengineered bank stabilization
  • Developed Trail Management and Facilities Plan
  • Feasibility Study
  • Bidding assistance
  • Capital Improvements Planning
  • Conceptual design
  • Construction management
  • Data/environmental collection
  • Design
  • Field inspections
  • Land acquisition
  • Permitting
  • Survey
  • Part of Rails to Trails System 
  • Project cost $900,000

Project Photos

  • Funding
  • NRDP - $990,000

View More Parks and Trails Projects

Parks And Trails Plans • Recreation Facility Inventories • Recreation Facility Cost Estimation And Design