The Yellowstone Heritage Trail (YHT) is a collaborative effort between Park County, the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) to develop a 56-mile multi-use trail connecting Livingston to Yellowstone National Park (YNP) at Gardiner. This project aligns with national non-motorized transportation goals, as the RTC has designated the YHT as a priority corridor within the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail. Once completed, the YHT will serve as a regional transportation and recreation corridor, linking communities, public lands and key access points along U.S. Highway 89 South (US 89). The project will increase outdoor access for all ages and abilities while providing health and economic benefits to the community.
The larger effort would not be possible if not for on-the-ground, tangible projects that are shovel-ready today. It takes community planning, visioning and persistence for these multi-year and multi-partner efforts to take shape. This project will strengthen the community vision and inform future planning efforts around the County's open space, parks and trails.
The YHT will allow people of all abilities to experience the physical and mental health benefits of nature. Additionally, the communities of Park County have been deeply impacted by recent events. The COVID-19 pandemic brought mental and economic hardships, and the recent catastrophic flooding halted tourism and threatened livelihoods. According to a recent study by the Park County Community Foundation, 69% of residents agree mental health issues are on the rise, while 82% agree that people are struggling financially. Research has shown that parks and trails improve the health and economic well-being of communities.
The trail will uplift the local economy and contribute to the Great American Rail-Trail that, in Montana alone, is projected to increase visitor spending by $16 million, create 200 jobs and generate $7 million in income. This project's collaborative nature is innovative and inspirational. Working in lockstep with local partners, TPL and the RTC will bring about unique and creative strategies that would not be possible on our own.
Emigrant Section
Emigrant, historically a rail and agricultural hub, lacks safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along US 89, a high-speed corridor with no sidewalks or adequate shoulders. In 2024, TPL acquired and donated 2+ miles of abandoned railbed to Park County, securing public ownership for permanent non-motorized transportation use. Identified in the Park County Active Transportation Plan, this segment addresses local and visitor demand for safe multimodal connectivity. This segment will serve as a high-use, high-visibility demonstration project, proving the long-term viability of rail-trail conversions in Paradise Valley.
Through collaborative efforts, Park County will protect 23-acres of open space and is in the final planning stages of creating the first community park system in Emigrant while also constructing 3+ miles of new trail for residents and visitors to enjoy. The trail will be adjacent to low-income and senior housing, allowing safe and equitable access to a recreational asset which people from all walks of life can enjoy. Currently, there are no sidewalks or safe roadway shoulders to walk or bike on in Emigrant.
While this public amenity will be great as a stand-alone park to serve the Emigrant community, it will also serve as the hub of a more extensive trail system as we continue to develop it with our partners. The trail will be interpretive, featuring remnants of railroad history, telling the story of the indigenous people of the valley, highlighting a buffalo jump, birding opportunities and a bridge over an irrigation canal for accessible fishing opportunities.
Yellowstone Heritage Trail Feasibility Assessment
Yellowstone Heritage Trail - Emigrant Section - Map
Yellowstone Heritage Trail - Emigrant Section - Aerial Map
Great American Rail-Trail Vision - Rails to Trails Conservancy | Rails to Trails Conservancy
