What makes a good hiking trail? An expert breaks it down

MISSOULA, Mont. — Thousands of Montanans use hiking and running trails every day, but the work that goes into building and maintaining those paths often goes unnoticed.

Jamie Kirby, the natural areas manager at the University of Montana, says there is more to even a simple switchback than what people see on the surface.

"The way that we cut into the slopes is that it still flows downhill," Kirby said. "Any precipitation we don't want to pool up."

Trail conditions vary across Montana, and managers adjust their approach based on the environment they are working with.

"Grassland slope that is facing the south would be a little bit different if we were hiking in a very heavily treed area or a very high elevation area," Kirby said. "How we maintain our trails does differ based on what we've got to work with."

The effort put into trail maintenance results in satisfied residents who have access to outdoor recreation close to home.

Kevin Griffin, a Missoula resident, says the trail system is one of the area's best features.

"I think it's amazing," Griffin said. "It's right at our back door. We got a million trails to go do any day, so always something different. We love it."

Kirby emphasized the importance of trail etiquette for all users. Hikers should read and follow all signs, stay on designated trails and bring bags to clean up after pets.