Fodor's Expert Review Riverfront Trail

The heart of Missoula is defined by the Clark Fork River, which cuts through Hellgate Canyon between Mount Sentinel and Mount Jumbo, passes by the university, and slices through downtown. A 6-mile-long riverside trail (as well as the connecting 2½-mile Kim Williams Trail) makes for easy, pleasant walks, with picnic spots and benches along the way where you can watch the river. Look down from Higgin's Bridge and watch the surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders lay on Brennan's Wave. Take note: the powerful currents of the Clark Fork are dangerous—they've taken many lives over the years.