Click HERE for a pdf version of the year-end letter.
Greetings River’s Edge Trail Supporters
As the year draws to a close, the River’s Edge Trail Foundation invites you to join us in celebrating and sustaining one of Great Falls’ most treasured assets—the River’s Edge Trail.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide a trail for people to explore Great Falls’ outdoor opportunities and to improve the community’s quality of life. Every mile of trail represents a commitment to recreation, health, connection, and conservation.
This year, the Foundation has continued to maintain, improve, and expand the trail system—ensuring safe access, preserving natural landscapes, and enhancing the experience for all who visit. These efforts depend on the generosity of donors like you! As the year ends, consider making a tax-deductible donation to the River’s Edge Trail Foundation. Every contribution large or small, helps maintain the trail, fund improvements, and ensure that future generations can enjoy this remarkable resource.
Thank you for your support of River’s Edge Trail. We couldn’t do it without you!
River Drive South Realignment
There are still several critical permitting and steps to be resolved for this project. Montana DOT says they’ll begin construction in summer of 2027.
Repairing Trails
Every year donations are needed to repair erosion, freezing, slumping, storm damage and general aging that happens to the trail.
New Equipment for Trail Maintenance
Maintaining the trail is always a priority. This includes the need for the sealcoat trailer and newly purchased paint striper.
Trail Rules Enforcement: For the Enjoyment of All
So that the trail is an enjoyable and safe place for all users, speed limits for e-bikes and pets on leash signs have been added in high use areas. The speed limit is 20mph, call out before passing. Dogs must be leashed unless posted, then must be under voice control.
Projects Trail Users Will See In 2026
The River’s Edge Trail Foundation is appreciative of Carter Storrusten, TA Administrator, who is working hard to get funded projects up and running after the conversion of Transportation Alternative (TA) Grants from MT Department of Transportation administration to the City of Great Falls.
Caboose Deck
Refurbishment design is complete and a State Fish Wildlife and Parks grant has been applied for matching funds for this project. The RETF has committed $15,000.
Black Eagle “Kings” Bridge Deck
Parks and Rec secured a grant from to replace all deck timbers on the Black Eagle ‘King’s’ Bridge. The RETF has committed $15,000 to support this essential safety and preservation project.
West Bank Access Closure
BNSF closed the rail crossing at Calumet (west side) eliminating public access. The City of Great Falls and RETF are actively exploring alternative access solutions to maintain connectivity and safety for trail users.
10th Street ARCH (Arlyne Reichert Community Heritage) Bridge South End Plaza
The Preservation Cascade project continues to advance. Bank stabilization and concrete structures have been completed in preparation for the upcoming plaza construction at the south end of the bridge.
Ways to Support the Trail
Memorials in the Circle of Giving
A memorial in the Circle of Giving includes a 4”x6” cast bronze marker for $550.00. Larger marker sizes will be considered for approval through the Park and Recreation Department, call (406) 771-1265.
Endowments
River’s Edge Trail Foundation Endowment offers you the opportunity to support the trail for generations to come. RETF will accept and manage charitable gift annuities. Contact Debra Corn at dcorn@mtcpas.com
Share your photos of recreating on the trail
Our mission includes increasing the utilization of the trail. We encourage you to share your photos and favorite places on the River’s Edge Trail on your social channels. #riversedgetrail
Use the contact form to let us know of issues
Our Trail Coordinator AJ along with the Park and Rec Department does a fantastic job of maintaining the trail. But it is a big job! If you notice something that needs to be addressed, let us know with our Report a Problem form at thetrail.org/contact.
