One Day Opportunity Coming to Great Falls Cochrane Dam

• National Trail Days are coming allowing residents the opportunity to experience Cochrane Dam
• Trail users will be able to make a loop and hike or ride both sides of the river on the same trip
• Specialized "Dam Talks" will also be happening for recreationists to learn more about the dam

One Day Opportunity Coming to Great Falls Cochrane Dam

If you have been itching to get out and enjoy some of Big Sky Country in Montana with the nicer weather, there is a perfect day to get things started.  National Trail Day is coming up on June 7, 2025.

via GIPHY

National Trail Day is a collaborative effort by the National Park Service and the American Hiking Association hosted the first weekend in June each year.  The day is to "celebrate not only national scenic and historic trails, but all trails on public lands."

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One Day Only to Make Your Way Across Cochrane Dam Near Great Falls

To celebrate National Trail Days, Cochrane Dam will be allowing access to bicyclists and hikers to cross the Missouri River at Cochrane Dam on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM.

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Opening the crossing for public access will allow trail users to make a loop and hike or ride both sides of the river on the same trip.  There will not be shuttles available during this time for users.

Be Prepared for a Long Day and Bring Supplies for the Hike under the Big Sky

If you are planning to enjoy the day at the dam, Giant Springs State Park has some tips for you and your companions:

Participants are advised to be prepared for a 5+ mile strenuous hike through prairie landscape. A reminder that there is very little shade during the entirety of the trip, no access to water for you or your pets, and that this is rattlesnake country. A reminder that bikes need to be walked across the dam and pets must be on a leash.

Users will also be able to listen to “Dam Talks” that will occur on top of the dam delivered by Park staff at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:00 PM.  You can find out more about the National Trail Day event here.