Approx. Distance: 292 miles
Approx. Ride Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Ride about 25 miles east from Great Falls on US 87 past Belt, turn south onto US 89 at Armington Junction rest area. The next 71 mile stretch is dubbed the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. You'll ride through the charming mountain towns of Monarch and Neihart, cross Kings Hill Pass, and then into White Sulphur Springs. There are hot springs here and the water is used at the Spa Hot Springs to heat one large outdoor pool and two smaller pools. You don't need to be a motel guest to soak, just pay a small fee and enjoy the thermal waters. If you forgot your swimming suit you can even rent one! This town features unique Castle Museum built as a home by an early day resident. After you've enjoyed White Sulphur Springs, ride about 3 miles back to the junction of US 89 and 12. Ride east on US 12 for 30 miles and take the turn to Martinsdale. In one mile you will see the Bair Museum, open for tours during the summer. Charles Bair was a sheep rancher in this area and his daughters left the home and its furnishings for the public to enjoy. The Bair ladies traveled abroad extensively and the house grew larger to accommodate their collections. If you ride one more mile to the town of Martinsdale, the Crazy Mountain Inn there has been voted the best pie stop in Montana! Best advice, order the sour cream lemon. Backtrack to US 12 and then ride another 25 miles to Harlowton. Enjoy the E-57B electric train engine display while you sip some java at Sun Dog Coffee or quaff a local craft brew at Gally’s Brewing and then visit the Milwaukee Depot for some railroad history. The Upper Musselshell Museum in Harlowton showcases dinosaur history with the Avaceratops Lammersi found nearby. At the junction for Harlowton turn north on US 191 driving past 90 wind towers to Judith Gap. Continue riding to Eddies Corner at the junction of 191 and US 87. Turn west on US 87 and about a quarter mile from this turn is a unique Amish grocery store and deli called Big Sky Grocery, well worth a stop. Ride back towards Great Falls. Beer lovers take note and plan time for one more stop with great ales and porters at the Belt Creek Pub in the little town of Belt, about 25 miles before you reach Great Falls. The Pub is decorated with lots of old signs and you can feel free to toss your peanut shells on the floor! The beer is brewed locally in the town of Belt at Harvest Moon Brewery.
