Riding the Hiawatha Bike Trail With Your Family

Why the Hiawatha Trail Belongs on Your Family Bucket List

Riding the Hiawatha Bike Trail has been on our family’s bucket list for years—and it absolutely lived up to the hype! With breathtaking views, cool mountain air, and a family-friendly downhill ride, this trail checks all the boxes. Add in historic train tunnels, sky-high trestles, and the thrill of riding through the mountains, and you’ve got an unforgettable adventure for all ages.

What Is the Hiawatha Bike Trail?

The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile scenic mountain trail that you can bike or hike. Along the way, you’ll ride through 10 historic train tunnels (nine of which are open for biking) and cross seven towering trestle bridges. It’s part adventure, part history lesson, and 100% spectacular. Many visitors to this bike trail agree on its breathtaking appeal.

Where Is the Hiawatha Trail?

The Hiawatha Trail straddles the Idaho-Montana border. Trail passes, shuttle tickets, and mountain bike rentals (complete with headlights for the tunnels) are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area, right off Interstate 90 (Exit 0, on the Idaho-Montana state line).

From there, it’s a 7-mile drive down to Taft, Montana, followed by a short 2-mile drive up a dirt road (Route 506) to the parking area and trailhead, making accessing the Hiawatha Bike Trail convenient.

Scroll to continue

More from Mama

Disneyland Festival of Holidays: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!

Disneyland’s New Ride: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Subscribe

How to Book Your Hiawatha Trail Adventure

You’ll need a trail pass (plus a shuttle ticket if you don’t want to ride back uphill). Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak summer weekends. Prepare for a fantastic journey on the Hiawatha Trail by securing your tickets early.

👉 Book your Hiawatha Trail tickets here

What to Bring for the Hiawatha Trail

Group of cyclists with headlights riding through a dark tunnel on the Hiawatha Bike Trail in Idaho and Montana.

Packing smart makes the ride even better. Here’s what we recommend:

Sweatshirt or light jacket – The tunnels are chilly, even in summer.
Light backpack – To carry snacks, water, and extra layers.
Lunch & snacks – You can pre-purchase a lunch package, but we packed our own picnic.
Plenty of water – If you rent bikes, check if they have water bottle holders; if not, stash yours in your backpack.
Change of clothes – The tunnels can be damp, and mud splashes are part of the fun.
Bike light or headlamp – Rentals include lights, but if you bring your own bike, be sure to pack one. The longest tunnel is over 1.6 miles long, and it gets pitch dark inside.

Why Families Love the Hiawatha Trail

This ride is pure joy. The trail has a slight downhill grade, making it approachable for all ages and fitness levels. There’s even a shuttle waiting for you at the end, so you don’t have to ride back up (unless you want to).

We saw everyone—from grade-school kids pedaling bravely to grandparents cruising on e-bikes. Discover for yourself why the Hiawatha Bike Trail is cherished by so many families.

The mix of history, scenery, and adventure had me smiling ear to ear the whole way. For us, the Hiawatha Trail isn’t just a ride—it’s an experience we’ll never forget.

It’s earned a spot in our family’s Top 10 trips of all time—and we’d happily do it again tomorrow. I found myself smiling from start to finish!

A Must Ride For Your Family!

If your family loves the outdoors, bikes, or just unique adventures, the Hiawatha Bike Trail is a must-do. Between the tunnels, trestles, and incredible mountain scenery, it’s one of the best family-friendly bike rides in the country. The Hiawatha Trail offers an adventure full of excitement and discovery for everyone.

Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a change of clothes for the muddy tunnels!) and get ready for a ride your family will talk about for years.