The Meagher Ridge Trail in Lewis and Clark National Forest climbs through the Little Belt Mountains of Meagher County, Montana, to a ridgeline with wide views across the central Montana highlands. The trail gains 1,400 feet over six miles, passing through mixed forest and open terrain before reaching the ridge.
Meagher Ridge is named for the county through which it runs, itself named for Civil War general and Montana territorial governor Thomas Francis Meagher. The trail is quiet and receives relatively light traffic, making it a good option for hikers who want the Montana mountain experience without the crowds of better-known destinations.
The Route
From the Forest Road 211 trailhead, the trail climbs steadily through Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine forest. The forest provides shade through the lower two-thirds of the climb before opening onto the ridge in the final mile. The ridge viewpoint at three miles sits at approximately 7,800 feet and faces north across the folded terrain of the Little Belt interior.
Wildflower meadows appear on the open upper slopes, peaking in mid-July. The upper ridge is exposed and can be windy; the forest sections below provide shelter on breezy days.
What to Expect
The trail surface is generally rocky in the upper section. Good footwear with ankle support is helpful. Afternoon storms build regularly in July and August; the exposed ridgeline is not a good place to be during lightning activity.
The area is quieter in late August and September after the peak summer crowds thin. Fall color begins in the mixed hardwood sections in late September, and elk bugling can be heard across the ridges.
Nearby
White Sulphur Springs is about 25 miles south and serves as the practical base for Little Belt Mountain hiking. The Smith River corridor south of the Lewis and Clark National Forest is a popular float fishing destination that adds another dimension to a central Montana outdoor trip.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.