Review Date
June 26, 2007

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: dthomp325 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I checked out this area while on vacation last weekend. I went to the top and back a couple of times on different trails. Based on the trail my rating is a 3, based on the views, it's a 5.

There is plenty of climbing to be had here. I think my 2 trips to the top and back had about 2,500 feet of combined climbing. Going up the
Briggs Creek trail is especially challenging, as it's very steep. When you get to the top you will be rewarded with stunning views. The Highwoods area is simply gorgeous. The climb is worth the price even if you're not a climber.

Going back down is a different story. There is nothing technically challenging, and the downhills are uninteresting.

I recommend a hardtail, because there is a lot of climbing, and the trail is fairly smooth throughout.

Recommended Route:
The best trail I rode was Center Ridge Trail on the South side. I rode it up from the trail head. The 1st 2.5 or 3 miles are uphill, and the rest of the trail (5 miles total) is rolling until it intersects with the Highwood Creek trail. The climb up was gentle enough to tackle without stopping, and the rolling hills at the top had some great through-the-trees action. I didn't ride it down, but it seemed like it would be fun in that direction as well.

Review Date
June 6, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: colby_mck ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Beginning of the trail is really rooty and has a few creek corssings. It slowly goes uphill and there is a few places where I had to shoulder my bike and hike up them. Once you get to the top of Windy Mtn. you can see a very nice view of Great Falls and the Highwoods. The rest of the trail is cake! It's all downhill back to the campground. Great Ride.

Review Date
October 20, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Charles , from Great Falls

Summary:
It was slightly wet when I went. There are several slippery roots in the begining with little creeks to cross. On the top of the mountain it was rocky but beautiful views. The end of the trial was nice with several larger creeks to cross.

Recommended Route:
Thain creek camp groung is the starting point. Take the loop to the right.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Monarch has the best trails in the area. The forest service has trail maps available.