Biking

Mountain bikes

Miles of mountain biking and road cycling exist on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. These opportunities are typically best between June and October, but regardless of season, bikers should always:

Practice low impact to the soil by limiting riding shortly after the rain, keeping skidding to a minimum, packing out litter and staying on designated trails.
Control your bicycle, anticipate other trail users including runners, hikers, bicyclists or horses around blind corners and slow down accordingly.
Always yield the trail. Bicycles are fast and can scare people or livestock. Always make your approach known well in advance.
When approaching oncoming traffic on narrow trails, slow down and move off the trail to the downhill side. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you, all mountain bikers are judged by your actions. Make contacts friendly no matter how brief.
Leave gates as you found them, respect private property and route closures.
Know the area, your equipment and plan accordingly, dressing for the weather. Riders should be self-sufficient at all times, wear a helmet and carry necessary supplies for changes in equipment or weather conditions.
During fall rides, wear a hunter orange mesh vest or bright colors and attach a bear bell to your bike bag to warn hunters of your presence. Do the same for any dog companion joining the ride.

E-Bikes

The Forest Service classifies e-bikes as motorized vehicles (36 CFR 212.1). E-bikes are welcome on all motorized trails and roads on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Please visit the Helena-Lewis and Clark Motor Vehicle Use Map for motorized trail location and information.

The Travel Management Rule defines “motor vehicle” as “any vehicle which is self-propelled, other than (1) a vehicle operated on rails; and (2) any wheelchair or mobility device, including one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area.” 36 CFR 212.1. This definition is consistent with the definition for a “wheelchair” in federal wilderness in section 508(c)(2) of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12207(c)(2).

Under the Travel Management Rule, e-bikes may be ridden where motor vehicles are allowed, including on National Forest System (NFS) roads open to all vehicles; NFS trails open to all vehicles; NFS trails open to vehicles 50 inches or less; NFS trails open to motorcycles only; and NFS trails open to e-bikes as a special designation.

Examples of areas where e-bikes are prohibited include all Wilderness Areas, and all trails open to pedestrian, or bicycle or horseback use only.