South Fork Hoover Creek

In the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls, the South Fork Hoover Creek Loop is a tough and rewarding day hike through old growth forest. To complete the loop, you’ll actually follow the south, middle, and north forks of Hoover Creek, passing through stands of aspen, thimbleberry patches, lodgepole pine, and open grassland. Eventually, you’ll reach Pioneer Ridge, where you can enjoy views of forested mountaintops and scattered meadows. On the way down, you’ll descend back into the forest and enjoy the birdsong on the gentle walk back to the trailhead. Photo by Tim Faber