Bighorn Head Gate Trail

Quick Facts

Location:

Fort Smith, MT

Significance:

Built by the Crow Tribe to divert water from the Bighorn River for irrigation.

Amenities

2 listed

Restroom, Toilet - Vault/Composting

Drive through the Afterbay Campground past the sign that says “No Camping Beyond this Point,” to the pit toilet at the end of the road. From here a short hike down a gravel path takes you to a quiet area near what remains of the Bighorn Head Gate. The Bighorn Head Gate was part of the original irrigation system used in the upper Bighorn Valley in the early 1900’s before the dam was built in 1965. The best time of year to view the head gate is during the winter since most of the head gate is underwater during the summer months. This is a great place for bird watching.