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Print Friendly MapThe Blacktail Creek Trail, through southeastern Butte, was renamed the Ulrich-Schotte Nature Trail in honor of local citizens who championed the restoration of the creek and other civic projects in the community.
The paved path along the creek offers a beautiful natural escape and popular birdwatching spot. It begins at Father Sheehan Park, where a playground and athletic facilities are available, and continues through the city's neighborhoods north of Interstate 90.
At its northern end, the trail goes underneath Harrison Avenue and connects with the Civic Center Trail, which travels northeast for just over a mile to end at Civic Center Road and Texas Avenue. This connecting trail is named for the adjacent Butte Civic Center, which hosts sporting events, concerts and trade shows.
Parking and restrooms are available at Father Sheehan Park (33 Holiday Park Drive) and the Butte Visitor Center (1000 George Street). The visitor center also offers a brochure with a map of this trail and others in the Montana Copperway Trails network.
The portion of the trail that runs along I-90 could really use some updating. Many portions of the pavement are buckled from the surrounding tree roots. But the portion that goes up towards the Pit, is nicely paved and wide.
Location: Butte, MT
Parking: Father Sheehan Park
Trail Condition: First portion of trail needs serious maintenance. Surface is rough and brushing work is needed to clear brush, low hanging tree limbs, and weeds from along the trail. Past the visitor center the trail improves.
Signage: Very minimal. Take a map along.
Comments: Pass this one up. This would be my last resort in Butte.
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