Accessible Recreation Opportunities
National Forests are for everyone. Not every recreation area can accommodate every need; we’re always working to balance modern amenities with the natural “wildness” that is expected of your National Forests. However, with more than 3 million acres on the Custer Gallatin National Forest, we like to think there’s a little something for everyone.
Sites Featuring Accessible Amenities
Fisherman's point parking area and restroom facilities that complies with the trail accessibility guidelines, on the Yellowstone Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken May 24, 2023. USDA Forest Service photo. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
We recognize that what is “accessible” for one, may not quite meet the needs of another. We offer a range of experiences from boardwalk trails designed to meet national accessibility guidelines to trails with a rocky, uneven surface – and even those in-between that have a firm and stable dirt surface. Our recreation sites include campgrounds with accessible site amenities as well as day use areas that offer universally accessible restrooms, overlooks and fishing piers. Accessible is not a blanket term for what to expect at every accessible site, but we’ve compiled a list of sites with accessible features to help every visitor decide which sites meet their individual needs. We hope it helps in finding the sites that are right for you!
Remember, weather conditions can vary, and many sites are not “accessible” to anyone once enough snow falls.
Blacks Pond Campground This popular area for camping and fishing is located south of Ashland, Montana. Work began in 2022 to address maintenance and accessibility issues. Accessible amenities at the campground now include a floating dock as well as the trail to the floating dock, the vault toilet, and picnic tables. O’Dell Road #4131 to Blacks Pond was also improved as part of this project.
A photo of a visitor fishing on the new floating dock at Blacks Pond Campground on the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken October 16, 2024. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
A photo of the new floating dock at Blacks Pond Campground on the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken August 1, 2024. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
A photo of the new trail to the floating dock at Blacks Pond Campground on the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken August 1, 2024. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
A photo of the parking area at Blacks Pond Campground on the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken August 1, 2024. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
| Site Name | Accessible Amenities | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Basin Campground | 6 accessible campsites |
Basin Lakes National Recreation Trail (#61) is a short distance from the campground. |
| Cascade Campground | 1 accessible campsite |
The campground is located in an area that is scarred by the 2008 Cascade Fire. However, there are trees in the campground and it is an excellent location for wildflowers and wildlife sightings.
|
| Greenough Lake Campground | 2 accessible campsites |
The campground offers single-family campsites; two are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Accessible vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water are provided.
|
| Limber Pine Campground | 5 accessible campsites, Toilet |
Limber Pine Campground is south of Red Lodge, along the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek. It is near the base of the switchbacks of the Beartooth Scenic Highway. |
| Sheridan | Toilet and 1 accessible campsite |
Sheridan Campground is located approx. five miles south of Red Lodge on the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek. You access it from East Side Road, off the Beartooth Highway (US Hwy 212). |
| Woodbine | Toilets and 5 accessible campsites |
Fully paved campground with paved spurs at the end of the Stillwater River Road #2400 |
| Site Name | Accessible Amenities | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet, 2 Sites accessible campsite |
17 miles south of Bozeman on Hyalite Canyon Rd #62. |
| Langohr | Fishing, Toilet, Trail, 2campsites |
Largest Parking Spur: 22' x 60'
|
| Lower Hyalite | 1 accessible campsites |
Toilet, Picnic shelter at group campground
|
| Parkside | Toilet and 2 campsites. |
Parkside Campground is south of Red Lodge, along the banks of the Main Fork of Rock Creek. |
| Pine Creek | Toilet Trail Water 17 Sites |
9 miles south of Livingston on US 89, 6 miles east on Pine Creek Rd (narrow winding road). |
| Site Name | Accessible Amenities | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet (2 sites – C Loop) |
A campground along the Madison River on the Hebgen Lake District. |
| Lonesomehurst | Boat Ramp, Dock, Fire Grates, Fishing, Toilet (1 site) |
Largest Parking Spur: 30' x 45'
|
Family Trail Opportunities
Keep in mind, not all beginners are ready for 5 miles and what is not steep to some may be trouble for others. It’s important to be aware of your own abilities, to plan a trip with the least experienced member of your party in mind, and to TURN BACK if you need to. We have compiled a list of a variety of trail opportunities from trails that complies with the trail accessibility guidelines to improved trails that are not fully accessible, and short hard surface trails to help every visitor decide which trails might meet their individual needs.
The Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG) apply to new or altered trails that are designed for pedestrian hiking and which connect directly to a trailhead or to another trail that currently complies with these guidelines. The goal is to maximize accessibility while not changing the character or experience of the trail setting.
Trails that comply with the trail accessibility guidelines:
Vista Point Trail 101 is .15 miles of asphalt trail. Fully accessible. Trail is off the Beartooth Highway. A short hard surface trail leads to a platform overlooking Rock Creek Valley, where you can enjoy spectacular views and various interpretive displays. Vista Point Observation Site is a popular stopping point along the Beartooth Scenic Highway.
Improved trails:
Wild Bill National Recreation Trail (# 62) is 0.4 of improved trail, not fully accessible. The Wild Bill Lake National Recreation Trail circles around the lake and to two fishing docks. The trail is specifically designed as a barrier-free area with wide hard surface paths around approximately half the lake. There are 2 wheelchair accessible fishing decks, as well as wheelchair accessible picnic tables and toilets
Trails that comply with the trail accessibility guidelines:
Yellow Mule Trail 162 (also known as Ouzel Falls Trail) is .3 miles of fully accessible, improved, compacted trail to Ouzel Falls. The trail has a fairly steep initial grade with water bars so it is not fully accessible but an option for those looking for more even surfaces.
Improved trails:
Westshore Trail 431 along Hyalite reservoir is a 3 mile trail. Not fully accessible but is an improved, compacted, graded surface. Goes from Hyalite Day Use Area to Window Rock Cabin.
Fairy Lake Trail 501 (road to trailhead open and snow free late June/early July through September): a short 0.1 mile gravel surface trail to scenic Fairy Lake with Sacajawea Peak looming over the lake. Road to trailhead is a rough dirt road. Higher clearance vehicles recommended. Located in the Bridger Range north of Bozeman.
Langohr Creekside Trail 138 (Accessible May 16th – late October, snow conditions permitting). A 0.25 mile paved trail along Hyalite Creek. Trailhead is located on the north loop of Langohr Creek Campground in Hyalite drainage south of Bozeman.
Palisade Falls Trail 433 (Accessible late May – late October, snow conditions permitting). A 0.63 mile paved trail to a tall, spectacular waterfall. The last 100yds is steep and not accessible but there is a viewing area before the last steep section of trail. The trailhead is located in Hyalite Canyon south of Bozeman.
Grotto Falls Trail 432 (Accessible May 16th – late October, snow conditions permitting). A 1.5 mile gravel trail to Grotto Falls. The trailhead is located in Hyalite Canyon south of Bozeman.
Upper Deer Creek Trail 438 (Accessible May – October, snow conditions permitting). A 0.3 mile gravel trail along the Gallatin River. Trail connects two popular river access parking areas. Located along Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky.
Trails that comply with the trail accessibility guidelines:
Clarks Fork Arbor Day Trail 355 .1 miles, the trail is not paved but has compacted gravel. Clark’s Fork Picnic Site webpage for more info.
The Arbor Day trail #355 near Cooke City. The trail is not paved but has compacted gravel. Photo taken July 19, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
The Arbor Day trail #355 near Cooke City. The trail is not paved but has compacted gravel. Photo taken July 19, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
The Arbor Day trail #355 near Cooke City. The trail is not paved but has compacted gravel. Photo taken July 19, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
The Arbor Day trail #355 near Cooke City. The trail is not paved but has compacted gravel. Photo taken July 19, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Improved trails:
Yankee Jim Canyon Interpretive Trail 383 is .3 miles of paved trail, not fully accessible. ***Currently inaccessible due to the flood.
The Yankee Jim interpretive trail on the Gardiner Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken June 12, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
The Yankee Jim interpretive trail on the Gardiner Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken June 12, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
The Yankee Jim interpretive trail on the Gardiner Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Trails that comply with the trail accessibility guidelines:
Fisherman’s Point Trail #234 is a wide, gradual, non-paved, 0.1 mile out and back trail to an accessible fishing pier. There is accessible parking and a pit toilet at the trailhead, and there are accessible picnic tables along the trail near the pier.
Accessible picnic tables along the Fisherman's point trail #234 near the pier that complies with the trail accessibility guidelines. Fisherman’s Point is a wide, gradual, non-paved, 0.1 mile out and back trail to an accessible fishing pier. There is accessible parking and a pit toilet at the trailhead. On the Yellowstone Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken May 24, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Fisherman's point trail #234 and pier that complies with the trail accessibility guidelines. Fisherman’s Point is a wide, gradual, non-paved, 0.1 mile out and back trail to an accessible fishing pier. There is accessible parking and a pit toilet at the trailhead, and there are accessible picnic tables along the trail near the pier. On the Yellowstone Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Photo taken May 24, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Tilted Buildings Trail 657 and Tilted Highway Trail 658 (Accessible late May – October, snow conditions permitting). A 0.25 mile interpretive trail along Hebgen Lake. Located along Highway 287 near West Yellowstone, MT.
The Tilted Buildings Trail 657on Hebgen Lake on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. Photo taken June 26, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
View of a cabin in the water on the Tilted Buildings Trail 657 on Hebgen Lake on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. Photo taken June 26, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
View from the Tilted Buildings Trail 657 on Hebgen Lake on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. Photo taken June 26, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Memorial Boulder Trail 652 (Accessible late May – October, snow conditions permitting). A 0.25 mile interpretive trail at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center. Located along Highway 287 near West Yellowstone, MT.
Earth Quake Lake Visitor Center can accommodate requests for ASL interpreter services with advanced notice during our open season. Please contact us about your needs before your visit so we can arrange an interpreter.
Memorial Boulder Trail at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. Photo taken June 26, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Yellowstone Shortline Trail 611 (Accessible late May – October, snow conditions permitting) An 8 mile paved rail trail along the South Fork of the Madison River with bridges and interpretive signage focused on the history of the area. Trail starts in the Town of West Yellowstone and ascends to the Continental Divide south of town. Construction of the 8-foot wide path will resume in the summer of 2023.
Yellowstone Shortline Trail 611. An 8 mile paved rail trail along the South Fork of the Madison River with bridges and interpretive signage focused on the history of the area. Trail starts in the Town of West Yellowstone and ascends to the Continental Divide south of town. Photo taken June 25, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Yellowstone Shortline Trail 611. An 8 mile paved rail trail along the South Fork of the Madison River with bridges and interpretive signage focused on the history of the area. Trail starts in the Town of West Yellowstone and ascends to the Continental Divide south of town. Photo taken June 25, 2023. View full-sized photo on Flickr.
Trails that comply with the trail accessibility guidelines:
Natural Bridge Trail 300 and East Rim Natural Bridge 298 (Accessible May – October, snow conditions permitting.) A 0.5 mile trail system along the edge of the Natural Bridge gorge. Located south of Big Timber MT on State Highway 298.
Natural Bridge Trail 300 and East Rim Natural Bridge 298 (Accessible May – October, snow conditions permitting.) A 0.5 mile trail system along the edge of the Natural Bridge gorge. Located south of Big Timber MT on State Highway 298. Check the Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area for additional information.
Improved trails:
Pine Creek Fish Viewing Site – 1200 feet of graveled trail.
Learn more about Accessibility Resources in the Forest Service.