Hiking

The trail possibilities in Valley County are, in a word, endless. From a casual stroll to multi-day backpacking trips, trails offer something for every ability and mood. Many of these trails are multiple use, meaning that hikers might encounter mountain bikers, horses, hunters and anglers, and/or motorized traffic, all depending on the trail designation and surrounding land management.

Most of the area's summer trails are on public land managed by the Payette and Boise National Forests. Trails throughout the Forests range from beginner to advanced and vary in length. Users should note that trail conditions can (and do!) change rapidly. Carry extra supplies and considering checking with the Ranger District Office or Parks and Recreation staff before finalizing your plans. The Forest Service uses Avenza for their official maps: Boise Forest Maps and Payette Forest Maps. The McCall/New Meadows Ranger District updates the maintenance status of most trails on a regular basis: Payette NF and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. 

Valley County has numerous pathways -- designed for walking and biking -- that connect towns to natural areas. Most of these connectors are listed on Valley County Pathways where you also can get involved with ongoing and future pathways projects. 

Other popular trails in Valley County are accessed from Bear Basin, Ponderosa State Park, and Cascade Lake State Park. Parks and Recreation staff are working hard to create a comprehensive trail database in partnership with AllTrails. Please note that not all trail descriptions may be 100% accurate on any third-party mapping database. 

Volunteerism is essential to maintaining the hundreds of miles of trails and pathways in Valley County and beyond. To donate time or resources, reach out directly to managing agencies or work with a local group. Along with Valley County Pathways, the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation and Payette Land Trust are two of several active trail stewardship groups in the area.