Montana Expanded Accessibility on Flathead Lake Trails
New trail upgrades at the Harry Horn Trail now offer safer outdoor access for residents living with disabilities.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Hiking
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The Montana Conservation Corps has completed trail improvements at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park to increase accessibility. These upgrades follow a specialized planning audit to better serve hikers with mobility, vision, and hearing needs.
Why it matters
This project prioritizes inclusivity in outdoor recreation by incorporating direct feedback from the disability community into park design. It ensures that public spaces remain accessible for all residents by removing physical barriers to trail navigation.
The project design was informed by a Walk Move Audit conducted with 20 individuals possessing lived experience or expertise regarding disabilities. This qualitative assessment guided the physical interventions to ensure they addressed diverse accessibility needs.
The players
Montana Conservation Corps
An organization dedicated to managing natural resources and public lands through community-based work projects.
Summit Independent Living
An advocacy organization that supports the independence and full community participation of people with disabilities.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
The state agency responsible for the management and stewardship of Montana's natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities
A research center that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in rural areas.
The details
Crews widened paths, cleared brush, and removed uneven roots and rocks to create a level, more manageable surface. This work was built on an accessibility plan developed by Summit Independent Living and guided by the principle of including the disability community in every stage of development. The improvements specifically address navigation challenges for individuals with mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities.
Timeline
September 2025: The Walk Move Audit was conducted by the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities.
September 24, 2026: Montana Conservation Corps crews performed construction on the Harry Horn Trail.
2026: Official work on the Harry Horn Trail concluded.
2028: The foundation expects to launch the second phase of development.
Health Landscape
The project follows the nothing about us without us principle to ensure physical environments meet the actual needs of users with disabilities. By integrating this framework into public trail development, the effort marks a departure from historic top-down park management models.
Residents who face mobility, vision, or hearing barriers can now utilize the leveled and widened Harry Horn Trail with greater safety. If you have questions about specific trail conditions or accessibility features at other state sites, consider reaching out to park staff before your visit.
The takeaway
Inclusive design creates safer outdoor experiences for everyone by removing physical barriers to movement. For your own recreation planning, look for parks that publicize their accessibility audits or utilize universal design standards to ensure the terrain matches your capabilities.
What happens next
The Montana State Parks Foundation has scheduled the second phase of trail development to begin in 2028, with plans to create new accessible systems including a summit trail.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest accessibility initiatives in our Hiking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Inter Lake.
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