This 3 mile trail meanders through the Shady Lake Recreation Area and also ascends to the mountain overlooking the lake. A small amount of hike-a-bike. Sure the trail is short, but this excellent location places you close to the Athens Big Fork Trail and the Little Missouri Trail. Best ridden counter clockwise, trail circumnavigates Shady Lake meandering through interpretive areas, along the lake shore and makes a climb up Shady Mountain for a view of the lake. The descent down to the dam gets pretty steep and will require some hike-a-bike. Great views of the lake water cascading over the dam. Nice area to camp and provides access to the Viles Trail, the Athens and the Big Fork trails.
From State HWY 71 at Vandervoort take State HWY 246 east for 25 miles to Forest Service Road 38. Go north on Forest Road 38 for 3 miles to Shady Lake Recreation Area.
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