Proposed Paved Trail Connecting Manhattan, Logan, and Three Forks

Efforts to create a new nine-mile trail connecting Manhattan, Logan, and Three Forks are gaining momentum. The Manhattan Trail System Inc. (MTS), a nonprofit organization spearheading the project, is working towards initiating a feasibility study after securing a federal grant earlier this year.

The proposed trail system will connect Manhattan to the Gallatin River Trail and the Headwater Trail System in Three Forks. This ambitious project will leverage existing paved trails, including sections on abandoned Milwaukee Road grade, to create a seamless pathway. The ultimate goal is to establish a trail network that spans from Bozeman and Belgrade to Manhattan and Three Forks.

A significant milestone was achieved in March when the Montana project received a $122,671 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. According to MTS President Buck Buchanan, the feasibility study, estimated to cost $153,339, will be funded in part by the grant and matching funds of $30,668.

The upcoming feasibility study will play a crucial role in determining the trail's optimal location. Once completed, it will provide valuable insights for the engineering and construction phases.

The local project is part of the broader Great American Rail-Trail program led by the Rail to Trails Conservancy. This initiative aims to create a nationwide trail network following former railroad corridors.