Massive MT Bike Trail Project Releases New Update

BUTTE, MT - Montanans, dust off your helmets—but maybe don’t pump up your tires just yet.

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New updates have emerged about one of the most exciting infrastructure efforts in the state: the ambitious 230-mile Parks to Passes bike and pedestrian corridor stretching from Butte all the way to the Idaho border.

But it turns out the trail has hit more than just gravel along the way. Nailed it, right?

This project is part of the Great American Rail-Trail, a sprawling coast-to-coast path that will eventually connect Washington, D.C. to Washington State—3,700 miles of adventure for cyclists, hikers, and explorers.

Montana’s role? A crucial stretch that’s only 25.3% complete so far.

So what’s the holdup?

A Multi-Million Dollar Stall-Out

The corridor was on track—literally—with a hefty $6.3 million grant awarded to Powell County through the Biden administration’s RAISE program (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity).

This funding would’ve helped plug critical gaps in the route, working in tandem with regional partners to create a seamless and safe experience for non-motorized travelers.

But now, the brakes are on...

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that millions in federal grants—including $10 million for trail projects in Montana alone—are on hold, citing what he described as “leftist social requirements” attached to the funding, like accounting for climate change and social equity impacts.

That pause didn’t go unnoticed.

What’s At Stake for Montana?

“This is stalling an important connection in that nationwide trail,” said Kevin Mills to Public News Service, vice president of policy for the Rails to Trails Conservancy.

And it’s not just a loss for outdoor enthusiasts—it’s economic.

His group estimates that the full project could unlock $16 million in new economic development for Montana.

That could mean tourism, local jobs, small businesses catering to trail-goers, and expanded recreation opportunities for communities across the state. There’s also a matter of safety.

Across the U.S., 9,000 pedestrians and cyclists die on roads annually, with another 130,000 injured. Creating designated trail infrastructure helps prevent these tragedies—and right now, much of rural Montana lacks the infrastructure to safely support non-motorized traffic.

So What Now?

Despite the funding freeze, the project isn’t dead in the water.

Local advocates, trail organizations, and regional governments continue pushing to keep the momentum alive. The community-driven nature of the Parks to Passes project, along with its environmental, economic, and safety benefits, keeps it on the radar, even if it’s temporarily off track.

And here’s the good news: new details suggest stakeholders aren’t giving up. With growing public attention and bipartisan interest in outdoor recreation and rural revitalization, there’s hope that the grant freeze may thaw—or that alternative funding sources could emerge.

Keep Your Eyes on the Trail

Whether you’re a casual biker, a local business owner, or someone who just likes a good walk in a beautiful place, this project matters. It’s not just about connecting Butte to the border—it’s about connecting Montana to a nationwide vision of healthier, safer, more sustainable travel.

So stay tuned. The trail may be paused, but the journey isn’t over.