Whitefish Trail Guide: 40+ Miles of Hiking & Mountain Biking
42+ miles of free trails across 12+ trailheads, from beginner loops to advanced mountain biking — just 2.2 miles from downtown Whitefish and 25 miles from Glacier National Park's west entrance.
The Whitefish Trail is a free 42-mile multi-use trail system just outside Glacier National Park. With 12+ trailheads spanning beginner loops to advanced mountain biking terrain, it's the ideal warm-up or rest-day adventure for any Glacier trip.
- 42+ miles of trail
- 12+ trailheads
- Free no permits or fees
- 25 mi from Glacier NP west entrance
Lion Mountain Loop — Closest · Downtown Whitefish
Best first stopBeginner-friendly 2.5-mile loop with 350-foot elevation gain — the fastest entry point to the system from downtown.
- Closest trailhead to downtown — accessible by bike on city paths
- Multiple parking spaces; arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends to guarantee a spot
- Delivers views of mountains, town, and surrounding ranchland
- Stacked loop design lets you shorten the route if needed
Smith Lake Trail — Southeast · Swift Creek Trailhead
Best for familiesMinimal elevation gain circling a scenic lake through forest — ideal for families and bikers seeking easy miles.
- Scenic lake circuit through forest with manageable terrain
- Lower traffic than Lion Mountain — easier to find parking
- Accessible for families and recreational bikers
- Good option if Lion Mountain lot is full
Skyles Lake Overlook & Lion Mountain Combination — Multi-trailhead
Best effort-to-rewardStack two short trails into a 4–5 mile loop combining lake views and mountain vistas — intermediate sweet spot.
- Stacked loop design lets you customize distance on the fly
- Lake overlook adds scenic payoff without excessive mileage
- Great introduction to the system's connectivity
- Suitable for hikers and mountain bikers
Reservoir Trail at Big Mountain — North · Big Mountain
Best for versatilityLow-to-moderate elevation loop with a spur to Haskill Lake overlook — variety without exhaustion.
- Short spur to Haskill Lake overlook adds scenic payoff
- Suits both hikers and mountain bikers
- Flexible routing for different group abilities
- Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing access in winter from Nordic Club grooming
Danny On National Recreation Trail — Northeast · Advanced Section
Signature hikeGlacier's signature 15,000-annual-hiker route with rewarding views and multi-hour commitment — the system's most popular destination.
- Most popular route in the system per American Trails
- Multi-hour commitment with rewarding panoramic views
- Hiking-only — no bikes on this section
- Plan a turnaround time, not distance — easy to get lost in 'just one more mile'
East Rim Loop & Flower Point Loops — Northeast · Advanced
Best for advanced hikersChallenging terrain and sweeping panoramas for advanced hikers — remote, rewarding, and hiking-only.
- No bikes on these sections — designed for foot traffic only
- Sweeping panoramic views justify the effort
- Backcountry feel with greater solitude than lower trails
- Bring trekking poles for technical rocky sections
Common Questions
Is the Whitefish Trail free?
Yes. There is no entrance fee, parking fee, or trail permit required for individual use of the Whitefish Trail system. It is completely free to access year-round. Organized group events require a permit from Whitefish Legacy Partners.
Are e-bikes allowed on the Whitefish Trail?
No. E-bikes — including pedal-assist and throttle-assist models — are prohibited on the entire Whitefish Trail system. Traditional mountain bikes are welcome on multi-use trails. Some routes like Danny On and East Rim Loop are hiking-only with no bikes of any kind.
When is the best time to visit the Whitefish Trail?
Mid-June through September offers the driest and most reliable conditions. July and August are warmest but often have afternoon thunderstorms. October brings colorful fall scenery with lighter crowds. Avoid the trail when muddy — typically April through early June — to prevent trail erosion.
Are dogs allowed on the Whitefish Trail?
Yes, dogs are welcome on all trails in the system and must remain on leash at all times. Bring your own waste bags — most trailheads do not have disposal stations. Keep dogs leashed to reduce the risk of wildlife confrontations, especially during late summer when bears are most active.
Sources & Further Reading
- Whitefish Legacy Partners official trail maps and conditions — Whitefish Legacy Partners
- American Trails — Danny On National Recreation Trail profile — American Trails
- National Park Service — Glacier National Park — NPS
