The City of Shelby has been working for several years constructing a safe path connecting schools, work and recreation opportunities throughout our community. Creating the Roadrunner Recreation Trail has made Shelby a more walkable / bikeable community giving all citizens the opportunity to increase their physical activity, enjoy our communities’ environment and natural resources and seek an alternative in transportation means.
View the Road Runner Trail Map >
The trail begins at the intersection of Main Street and Coyote Pass. The trail heads north on the bike path along Oilfield Avenue approximately 1.3 miles where it leaves the state highway at North Lake Sheloole Drive and circumvents Lake Sheloole for approximately 2.6 miles . The trail joins the City Shop Road, continuing into Shelby on Galena Avenue and back on to Main Street. A mid-way loop leaves the trail approximately 1 mile from the City Shop Road and joins city streets at North Park Avenue.
Shelby Heights Trail: The Heights Trail is a shared-use pathway on the south end of the community under construction. From 12th Avenue to 5th Street and along 13th Street and 9th Avenue, widened roadways allow for walkers and bikers to share the road.
Roadrunner Recreation Trail is 5.06 miles of paved asphalt with varied degrees of difficulty. Benches and pet stations are available along the rural portion of the trail. In addition, exercise stations and points-of-interest signs are situated throughout the rural portion of the trail. The trail provides wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains and Sweetgrass Hills. It takes you through the natural grass prairies of northern Montana and provides great exercise; nature viewing; and incredible historical information. Most important, it’s a lot of fun.
ROADRUNNER RECREATION TRAIL
~Dog Friendly~
The City of Shelby has been working for several years constructing a safe path connecting schools, work and recreation opportunities throughout our community. Creating the Roadrunner Recreation Trail has made Shelby a more walkable/bikeable community giving all citizens the opportunity to increase their physical activity, enjoy our communities’ environment and natural resources and seek an alternative in transportation means. The trail begins at the intersection of Main Street and Coyote Pass. The trail heads north as a shared-use path along Oilfield Avenue approximately 1.3 miles where it leaves the state highway at North Lake Sheloole Drive and circumvents Lake Sheloole for approximately 2.6 miles . The trail joins the City Shop Road, continuing into Shelby on Galena Avenue and back on to Main Street. A mid-way loop leaves the trail approximately 1 mile from the City Shop Road and joins city streets at North Park Avenue.
The Roadrunner Recreation Trail is 5.06 miles of paved asphalt with varied degrees of difficulty. Benches and pet stations are available along the rural portion of the trail. In addition, exercise stations and points-of-interest signs are situated throughout the rural portion of the trail. The trail provides wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains and Sweetgrass Hills. It takes you through the natural grass prairies of northern Montana and provides great exercise; nature viewing; and incredible historical information. Most important, it’s a lot of fun.
THE HILLS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
The Hills Mountain Bike Trail is named for the Sweetgrass Hills, once sacred grounds to the Native American tribes that roamed the front range of the Rocky Mountains.
The first loop, West Butte was cut in 2021. There are multiple access points with the official trailhead at the top of the Lake Shel-oole Dam. Crossing the dam, you ride into multiple switchbacks through the coulees, crisscrossing the Roadrunner Recreation Trail at several points.
The 3-mile trail is hopefully, the first of three potential loops to be developed.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Even in the middle of summer it can be sunny, but quickly change to wind, rain or even snow. This is Montana!
Wear a hat and drink water to prevent heat stroke on hot days. No drinking stations are available, so bring your own and don’t forget the sunscreen.
No restroom facilities are available on the trail so…
No motorized vehicles are permitted with the exception of those registered Marias Valley Archery members accessing the range. Please be aware of this on the north-east section of the trail near the archery range. Biking is popular on the trail, so please stay to the right as enjoy your walk and bikers, please shout out when coming upon walkers to make them aware of your presence.
Controlled dogs are welcomed on the trail. This can mean leashes or obedient to owners’ commands. Please remember if your poochie leaves anything behind, it’s your job to pick-up after them. Pet stations are available at the entrance along North Lake Shel-oole Drive and City Shop Road with trash receptacles.
Farmers say there are no rattlesnakes north of the railroad tracks…nonetheless, be aware of where you are walking.
Coyotes, gophers, badgers, weasels, antelope, deer, and an occasional moose have been known to frequent the plains of northern Montana, but there’s no need for bear bells – yet! Call out, sing or talk loudly…you’re bound to scare everything away.
Thanks to the generous support of Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, Montana Urban Forestry Program, local schools, clubs, organizations and individuals – there are numerous amenities along the trail. The trail has a picnic area near the archery range. There are also benches along the trail as well as history and heritage signage, exercise stations and trash receptacles.
Do it together…Use the trail everyday!