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Hike to the Natural Bridge Falls

Mc Leod, Montana

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Andy Woodward

Natural Bridge is a beautiful water-carved canyon that offers amazing rock formations and a jaw-dropping waterfall. The trails are well defined and allow for the most amazing look outs.

Although this recreation area is at minimum 30 minutes out from any town, the road leading to the location is amazing and allows for some sweet views. Once you arrive, there will be a relatively small, paved place to park as well as bathrooms. Right behind the bathroom is the start to the trail.

The trail splits two ways; it is often thought that the trail is just a loop and it doesn't matter which way you go, however, it does matter. By going left, the trail will take you to various "above-ground" views of the canyon and is only around half a mile long; going right is where all the action is at. The trail to the right will take you almost immediately over a bridge that offers a sweet view of the canyon. After crossing, the trail will wind through the forest for only 1/4 mile before opening up to the river again. This is where my personal favorite view of the waterfall is. Unfortunately, in the winter, the river does not flow as strong over the waterfall, however, it does make for some amazing ice walls.

From here, you can follow the trail towards a second view, or you can drop down to the base of the falls by following some off trail paths. These paths are all along the left side of the trail and don't take long to follow. Once at the base, you have the whole canyon to explore! From ice caves to amazing rock deposits and walls, Natural Bridge is a pretty amazing place.

It is also important to note that we went in the Winter. Although Natural Bridge will be covered in snow from October to March, I should mention that it is just as if not more amazing in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Coming in these three season can allow one to see the waterfall at its full potential; water rushing down the falls, paths are clear, and the canyon flow with impressive amounts of water. The only downside to coming in these months is that you can't see the cave that gives the location it's name: Natural Bridge. Either way, it's a banger and it's for sure worth visiting.

Hope you get a chance to explore this location!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Hike to the Natural Bridge Falls Reviews

We are from the southern coast of Louisiana. This was a breathtaking thing for us. The breeze and mist coming out with the water was so refreshing. And the view from top to bottom of the waterfall was awesome!

Make sure you read the placard on your way down to learn how the falls got to be the way that they are. It is fascinating to visit at different points in the year to see the varying levels of flow either through or over the natural bridge. It's fun to get down near the falls, either via the switchbacks or by climbing over the rocks a bit. There are usually a lot of climbers there, if that's your thing.

A grand place for climbing, chasing waterfalls, and simply enjoying the outdoors. If you have the chance to see the falls in the spring during high water, it is well worth it. The water flows over the top and not just through the caverns. Several lookout points make the area very accessible.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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