Yellowstone Shortline Trail to offer nine miles of paved trail to non-motorized users; opens June 11
EBS STAFF
The Town of West Yellowstone and the Custer Gallatin National Forest invites the public to a ribbon cutting event for the grand opening of the Yellowstone Shortline Trail. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the trailhead off of Iris Street with a reception to follow at the Union Pacific Dining Lodge.
The trail follows the historic route of the Oregon Short Line Railroad from the Montana-Idaho state line into West Yellowstone. It begins on the corner of Iris and Obsidian Streets, then heads west into the Custer Gallatin National Forest and meanders along the South Fork of the Madison River.
The non-motorized trail covers nine miles of a flat, paved pathway and is open to all non-motorized users including hikers, bikers, runners, roller skaters, roller skiers, skateboarders, birdwatchers and photographers. Unlike many rail trails, the Yellowstone Shortline Trail has no major roadways nearby, offering an “unparalleled” peacefulness and wilderness quality to the trail, according to a press release.
The project was led by a group of local individuals who joined together “for the interest and purpose of providing West Yellowstone’s residents and visitors with a sustainable, healthy and authentic way to experience the region’s unique environment,” the release stated.
The trail includes signage along the route highlighting the history, flora and fauna of the area and is one of the final pieces of the larger Greater Yellowstone Trail that connects West Yellowstone to Jackson Hole via Island Park.
Following the ceremony, the public is invited to a guided walking or biking tour from 1 to 3 p.m.
