It has been many years since trains have made the trip to Somers or Kila, but people can follow that path now thanks to the Great Northern Historical Trail. The effort to turn the old railroad right-of-way into a pedestrian trail has been in the works for more than two decades and in the last few years Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana finally achieved their goal of connecting Somers and Kila, by way of Kalispell.
Currently, the paved trail stretches from Somers Road in Somers, along U.S. Highway 93 to Kalispell. In Kalispell it swings west, near the Highway 93 bypass and follows U.S. Highway 2 west to Kila. There are various points of entry along the trail in Somers, Kalispell and Kila, as well as in between.
The trail goes through some scenic areas of the valley and includes views of bogs, swamps and distant mountains. Due to its proximity to Kalispell and other population centers, it provides the perfect quick getaway.
For more information visit www.railstotrailsofnwmt.com.
How to get there: Access the trail off the intersection of Appleway Drive and Meridian Road. From Kila, access the trail at Kila Road and U.S. Highway 2, near the Cottage Inn. In Somers, access to the trail is along Somers Road, across the street from Del’s Bar.