Hiking
With approximately 19 miles of hiking trails Montgomery Bell offers
a variety of hiking experiences. From a .75 mile walk in the woods to the 11.7
mile-long overnight/backpacking trails, there are trails for hikers of all experience
levels. The backcountry trail has three overnight shelters dispersed along its
length, open year-round.
Trail maps may be purchased at the park office from 8-4 Monday thru Friday or at the Inn and Conference center anytime.
The collection of park plants and animals is prohibited by state law.
Dogs (and other pets), horses, hunting, firearms, fireworks, and alcoholic
beverages are not allowed on park trails.
USE OF MONTGOMERY BELL OVERNIGHT TRAIL
HIKING
Maintain at least 3 mile distance between hiking parties. No more than six people
are allowed in any one party unless a special permit is obtained from the park
manager. Enjoy yourself, but remember to protect all natural features and the
rights of other park visitors. Please leave the trails in the same, or better
condition than you found them.
CAMPING
A camping permit must be obtained from the park manager, available at the visitor
center. Prior reservations are recommended. Camping is permitted only at designated
campsites on the Montgomery Bell overnight trail. For this purpose several shelters
have been built. Please leave your campsite in such a condition that no one
could tell you had camped there. Cutting of live vegetation, littering, piling
of rocks, and other activities that would detract from the natural beauty of
the park are forbidden.
MOTOR VEHICLES / HORSES / BIKES
No motorized vehicles, bikes or horses are permitted on any park trail. However,
some trails utilize existing roads for short distances and hikers should exercise
caution in using these sections.
WATER
Water can be found in several springs and creeks throughout the park. This water
must be treated with purification tablets or by boiling to make it safe for
consumption.
LITTER
The park operates trails on a carry-in-carry-out policy. All disposables that
you carry onto a trail must be packed out. If anyone before you has been careless
enough to leave litter along the trail, you are encouraged to carry it out.
SANITATION
Human wastes should be deposited at pit toilets located at each campsite.
COLLECTION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
The collection of park plants and animals are prohibited by state law. However,
berries, nuts, and fruits of park plants may be picked in season for personal
use only.
OTHER RULES
Axes or hatchets are not allowed to be carried along the trails. Small backpack
saws are permitted.
