Copper City Trails in Three Forks are located in an area were mining used to be prevalent in the late 1800s. Early settlers discovered colors in the rock outcroppings and found gold in a massive boulder of copper quartz. Several mining companies gained interest. Mining in Copper City began to decline after the financial crisis of 1893. Copper City Trails was a project by the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association in partnership the Bureau of Land Management. The plan called for 17 miles of bike-optimized trails, open to hikers and trail runners and was completed in 2019. The system encompasses a wide range of trails including beginner-friendly, technical ridge, flow, and two downhill-only bike-only trails. There is also a youth focused skills park and a pump track catering to all ages and abilities. Copper City Trails project represents some of the best singletrack in Southwestern Montana.
After working up an appetite, stop by Bridger Brewing in Three Forks to quench your thirst and dine al fresco on their backyard patio, and wind down by playing yard games with kids and dogs. Visit SouthWestMontanaMBA.org to stay up to date on Copper City Trails news and conditions.