The kid-friendly hike known as the Palisade Falls Trail in Custer Gallatin National Forest should top your to-do list. A short and easy hike puts you in the vicinity of an 80-foot waterfall, while stunning spruce and fir trees line the trail, creating cooling shade. There is even a picnic area where you can rest and refuel after your jaunt through the forest. Come along! We’re sure you will love it!

The Palisade Falls Trailhead is located south of Bozeman at the East Fork of Hylite Creek.
James Graham/AllTrails
It is found in the Hyalite Recreation Area of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. You'll know that you're in the right place when you see this sign.
Despite being a short hike, it's one of the most beautiful in the state.
Dexter Jarrett/Alltrails
The trail is just under 1.2 miles round trip, and it's a great choice for a summer hike, as much of the route is shaded.
The trail is mostly paved, which makes it accessible for strollers, though there are a few steeper sections that may make the route difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchairs.
Gia Popa/Alltrails
The overall elevation gain is less than 250 feet and the trail is most accessible from May through October. It's ideal for walking, jogging, running, and hiking, but winter visitors also use the trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

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As the trail's name suggests...
Luke Weyrauch/Alltrails
... Palisade Falls is the highlight of this short and sweet adventure.
The towering falls cascade over 80 feet down the base of Palisade Mountain.
Coleman Zauner/Alltrails
And it's quite an impressive sight!
Palisade Falls is one spot that you should consider visiting in both the summer and winter seasons if you are able to.
Dale White/Alltrails
With a fresh dusting of snow, the trail remains majestic in winter. Deep into the cold season, Palisade Falls will freeze into a giant column of ice.
If you're an early riser, sunrise is a lovely time to explore this trail.
Alex Whiteway/AllTrails
As with any Montana hike, check weather reports ahead of time to make sure you visit on a crystal-clear day.

Take a day to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. You’ll encounter some of the most beautiful scenery you’ve ever witnessed in your life throughout the state. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and a willingness to explore! You can learn more by going to the Montana Tourism website.

Have you hiked to Palisade Falls? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Montana? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For another awesome hike in Montana, check out our previous article: This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Montana Is The Most Unique Hike Around.

If you’re still in the mood for more Montana adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

More to love about Montana | May 10, 2023

Where can we find other waterfalls in Montana?

  • Kootenai Falls near Libby is the largest undammed waterfall in the state.
  • Woodbine Falls in Stillwater County is a remote waterfall accessible by a hike and one of the tallest waterfalls in Montana.
  • Holland Lake Waterfall near Condon is an impressive 50-foot waterfall situated in a beautiful forest.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other spectacular waterfalls in Montana.

Where can we find wineries in Montana?

  • The Glacier Sun Winery in Kalispell has a year-round tasting room and features live music.
  • The Ten Spoon Vineyard & Winery in Missoula offers estate-grown grapes fashioned into award-winning wines.
  • The Yellowstone Cellars and Winery in Billings is a family-owned winery featuring classic Italian and French red and white wine varieties.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful wineries in Montana.

Where can we find flea markets in Montana?

  • The Little Red Truck Vintage Market in Missoula is a popular biannual market brimming with antiques, home décor items, crafts, and more.
  • The Junk Fest at the Antique Barn in the Gallatin Gateway is a massive attraction spanning 16,500 square feet and drawing folks from all over the area and further afield.
  • The Vintage Whites Market in Somers is a well-known traveling vintage market held in Montana as well as in several other states.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful flea markets in Montana.

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Palisade Falls, Montana 59047, USA