Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) is best known for the Main Street to the Mountains trail system, but the definition of trail is expanding. GVLT and partners have launched the area’s first water trail, the Missouri River Headwaters Paddlers’ Trail.

The trailhead (or “put in” as it’s better known in the paddler world) is located at the Missouri River Boat Launch in Headwater’s State Park. The trail takes floaters past the Fairweather Fishing Access Site and ends at the Toston Dam “take-out”. Paddlers can choose to continue for a more strenuous adventure or start at Fairweather Fishing Access for a less challenging route with a shorter time commitment.

The National American Trails organization recently published an article praising water trails. “Water trails connect us to nature and history in a way that other trails cannot. Many American towns and cities are built at the edge of water bodies, so taking to the water is a way to explore areas from a different perspective, close to home. Water trails can allow access to wild places that may be almost unreachable otherwise. Water trails are fun and inclusive.”

The creation of the trail was inspired by GVLT’s mission to connect people to the lands, and rivers, in beautiful southwest Montana. Water trails are especially aligned with GVLT’s focus on inclusivity for community members of all abilities and levels of experience accessing the outdoors.

Water trails typically have a predetermined route along a river with dedicated access points to put in and take out your personal watercraft such as kayak, canoe, raft, or even stand-up paddle board. The trail includes signage and mapping with mile markers to help users of all abilities and experience levels have a better understanding of what to expect on their journey. Even with these new resources, it is important to follow the Leave No Trace principle “know before you go” to stay safe out there. Looking up weather conditions, water levels and flows, common hazards and being aware of your surroundings can ensure you have an incredible day on the water. A key component to this project includes educating the public about how they can keep Montana waters healthy.  Signage at put in and take out locations encourage paddlers to follow Leave No Trace principles and explains how they can help maintain water quality and the sensitive lands surrounding the river corridor.

GVLT was one of many nonprofit and government agency partners that worked together to bringthis vision to life. "It's amazing when a community can rally around a project that combines recreation with the power of education to protect a resource. GVLT relies on its many partners to build incredible trails, and this project is no different," GVLT Trails Director, Matt Parsons said.Partners included Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the Montana Association of Conservation Districts, Montana Conservation Corps, and GVLT. GVLT and partners will be celebrating the launch of the Missouri Headwaters Paddlers Trail on Friday August 11th at the Missouri Headwaters Boat Lunch at 9am. The public and members of the press are invited to attend. About Gallatin Valley Land Trust: Gallatin Valley Land Trust connects people, communities, and open lands through conservation of working farms and ranches, healthy rivers, and wildlife habitat, and the creation of trails in the Montana headwaters of the Missouri and Upper Yellowstone Rivers. For more information, visit www.gvlt.org.