You’ll Be Pleasantly Surprised by This Extra Sweet Trail in Montana

My favorite hikes are those with something extra special—something that surprises me and makes it hard to forget the trail. And with hundreds of hikes to choose from in Montana, it’s easy to find a trail that’s just a little unique. Located within the Custer Gallatin National Forest is one hike where you’ll find something that excites me, especially during the late summer months. It is the Leverich Canyon Trail and is a hike full of huckleberry surprises.

The Leverich Canyon Trail is a gorgeous path south of Bozeman, Montana, tucked in a narrow canyon. It is a loop trail just under 5 miles and follows canyon walls and a ridge overlooking both Bozeman Creek and Sourdough Canyon. To reach the trailhead, you will need to drive on a narrow dirt road that can be a bit rough depending on the time of the year.

This trail is a beautiful escape into nature. It does have several inclines you’ll need to tackle, as you will climb more than 1,200 feet in elevation. It is also a popular mountain biking trail, and you may find that you come across more bikers than hikers. As the trail twists and turns, pay attention to what’s coming to prevent being run over.

For the most part, this is your typical Montana hike. The trail is well-trafficked and easy to follow. You’ll walk through gorgeous forests and viewpoints where you can see for miles on a clear day. The mountains looming in the distance will help you feel tucked away from the world’s stresses and allow you to escape reality … even if just for a few hours.

The Leverich Canyon Trail is most popular during the summer months when you’ll find hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. This is also a beautiful time of the year as wildflowers cover the forest ground. Yellows, purples, pinks, whites—the colors create a scene that appears almost like a painting.

But what I love most about this hiking trail is something you will find in the late summer months and something you are more likely to find on foot than on a bike seat—huckleberries. Leverich Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes near Bozeman, Montana, for huckleberry picking.

You are likely to find the huckleberry bushes in areas with little tree cover. They tend to grow best in places with partial shade, and they are often near taller plants like maples or willows. To ensure you have properly identified a huckleberry bush, look for bushes with berries that are typically a deep purple, red, or black, and branches with a reddish-brown color.

Keep in mind that bears also love huckleberries, and both black bears and grizzly bears live in the area. While on this trail, always be “bear aware” and hike with bear spray and bear bells. Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk as this is when bears are most active in the region. Also, before you hop on this trail, make sure to visit the Custer Gallatin National Forest Facebook page or the Alerts and Notices page on the U.S. Forest Service website. This trail can close for a number of reasons, from bear activity to wildfires. Verify the trail is open before you begin your adventure.

Yes, we love waterfall trails, hikes that make you feel like you are on top of the world, and those that take you around picture-perfect lakes. But, during the late summer months, there’s something extra special about trails that take you to huckleberries. Don’t you agree?

If you are like me, you want to keep your favorite huckleberry picking destinations top secret. However, if you are willing to share some of your favorite places to find these seasonal berries, let me know by filling out this nomination form. Or, if there are other trails you love in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, let me know as well. I’d love to hear from you.