Mother’s Day weekend was hot here in Helena! We all wanted to go for a post-naps hike, but we knew we needed a shadier hike in the afternoon heat. So we headed to the Ten Mile Interpretive Trail close to Rimini. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive from Helena. We could easily get out there and still have plenty of time to enjoy a hike.
Both boys (1.5 and 3.5) enjoy hiking on their own (until they’re tired, which can happen quickly or not…you just never know! 🙂 ). Because they do enjoy hiking on their own, it is fun to find easy hikes. If it’s a loop, even better! The Ten Mile Interpretive Trail is 1.1 miles, easy (a bit of an incline at first), shady, has a little creek during the second part of the hike, and is close to Helena. A perfect destination for young ones!
Along the trail are markers, so if you are interested in learning more about the area (geography, biology, ecology, hydrology, forestry, etc.), there are pamphlets that you can take with you and return when you are finished hiking.
If you want to hike for more than a mile, there are other trails that branch off from the interpretive trail. If you hike back further, watch for elk signs (droppings, tracks, rubs).
This is a fairly well-used trail in all seasons. In the winter, it is a popular sledding location (after plenty of snow) and Christmas-tree hunting spot. In the fall, watch for hunters hiking in and out. In the spring and summer, there’s a picnic area at the trailhead to enjoy a post-hike snack.
This summer if you are wanting to get out for a hike in the Helena area in the afternoon, this trail could be a winner! 🙂 Let me know if you go and how you like it!
