Rails to Trails History

The idea: To convert the abandoned or unused rail corridors—which were closing at an increasingly rapid pace across America—into multiuse trails.

Thirty years ago, a group of people came together with an idea. That idea turned into a spark that would activate a movement. Meeting together regularly in our nation’s capital, this collection of conservation and parks groups, walking and biking enthusiasts, railroad history buffs and active-transportation advocates quickly realized the need for a dedicated organization to help preserve the nation’s disused railroad corridors by transforming them into trails … and in February of 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy opened its doors.

Here in the Flathead
On New Year's Day, 1891, the first steam engine pulled into Kalispell on newly laid tracks. Founded as the main line division point for the Great Northern Railway, Kalispell's tenure as a railroad town lasted only until 1904, when the main lined Moved to Whitefish. Once moved, the unused tracks were eventually converted to community trails thanks to the efforts of Rails to Trails of NW Montana.

The longest section, The Great Northern Historical Trail, runs for 22.6 miles between the lakeside town of Somers and the mountain valley community of Kila. The trail follows part of the route of the old Great Northern Railway and creates a safe place for kids to walk and bike to school, and for people of all ages and abilities to recreate.

Our Historical Timeline

1992

A gravel coat was placed on a one-mile segment of the Meridian Trail from Dern Road east.

1997

The first Harvest Dance and Pie Auction was held at the Smith Valley Grange.1998The Somers Trail segment was built and paved, measuring 1-1/4 miles.

2000

The Highway 93 Project was built by the DOT. This segment is 4 miles long; Kila Cruise was held – our first 5k fun run.

2001

Grand Opening of the Meridian Trail segment; 14 culverts placed from Smith Valley to Kila.

2003

Whalebone Rd to Smith Valley segment was completed; pavement was laid east of Dern Rd – thanks to a $10,000 grant from Flathead Electric's "Round up for Safety" program.

2004

The first Flathead Trail Map was published; two more miles in Smith Valley were graveled.

2005

A FWP grant allowed for paving 2.5 miles from Dern Rd to Whalebone Dr, weed mitigation, benches, and safety signs. The first Great Northern 5k fundraiser was held.

2006

R2T was awarded $107,000 for bridges across Ashley Creek.

2007

“Safe Routes to School”, a walk to school tradition started in Kila; the R2T website launched; the 1st Bike Bonanza was held.

2008

The Dern Rd Gift Wall was created; Arbor Day tree planting began with the Peterson school kids; 3 historical signs designed and made.

2009

The final pavement was laid east of Kila; a $181,000 FWP grant was received for completion of the Kila gift wall, bridge approaches, and more.

2010

FWP awarded us a $18,776 grant for maintenance and weed mitigation.

2011

The MDOT bypass bike trail was completed; a 22-mile separated bicycle/pedestrian trail now exists from Kila to Somers Bay.

2013

A grant allowed for a vault toilet in Kila.

2014

Eagle Scouts made repairs under the trestle area.

2016

The Gateway to Glacier Trail was paved from Hungry Horse to West Glacier.

2017

The Kila trail was elevated & paved with help from FVCC heavy equipment classes using mostly recycled asphalt.

2018

The first talks began of the now Park Line Trail; the Bike to the Beach parade was held.

2019

The Last Harvest Dance and Pie Auction at the Smith Valley Grange was held.

2021

The Flathead Trails Association was created out of PATHS (people, athletics, travel, health and safety).

2022

The Bike Bonanza was held in May; Trailfest followed in October.

2023

Major seal coating and repair of the Great Northern Historical Trail was completed thanks to Flathead County and MDOT.