Day Trips from Great Falls
← All Great Falls day tripsDay Trips from Great Falls: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Great Falls, MT. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Great Falls
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
MT 59602, USA
Just 1 hr 27 min from Great Falls, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Glacier National Park
USA
Just 2 hrs 32 min from Great Falls, rated 4.8 stars by 19,842 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Flathead National Forest
MT, USA
Just 2 hrs 22 min from Great Falls, rated 4.8 stars by 2,439 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lost Creek State Park
Anaconda, MT 59711
Just 2 hrs 53 min from Great Falls, rated 4.8 stars by 250 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
MT, USA
Just 2 hrs 30 min from Great Falls, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Whitehall, MT 59759
Just 2 hrs 25 min from Great Falls, rated 4.7 stars by 2,181 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Custer Gallatin National Forest
MT 59061, USA
Just 2 hrs 52 min from Great Falls, rated 4.7 stars by 1,050 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Helena National Forest
Helena, MT 59602
Just 1 hr 58 min from Great Falls, rated 4.7 stars by 899 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
MT 59465, USA
Just 1 hr 10 min from Great Falls, rated 4.7 stars by 664 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Sluice Boxes State Park
Belt, MT 59412
Just 40 min from Great Falls, rated 4.6 stars by 245 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Placid Lake State Park
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
Just 2 hrs 23 min from Great Falls, rated 4.5 stars by 243 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
Three Forks, MT 59752
Just 2 hrs 29 min from Great Falls, rated 4.5 stars by 516 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Great Falls
What are the best state parks near Great Falls, MT?
The best state parks near Great Falls offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Great Falls?
Most state parks near Great Falls charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Great Falls are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Great Falls offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Great Falls?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Great Falls. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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