North Fork Belly River Trail

North Fork Belly River Trail is a remote out-and-back from the Belly River access to the North Fork drainage. The mapped corridor works out to about 18.7 miles round trip; a route description gives 17.1 miles, so treat the distance as approximate and allow extra time. About 3,400 feet of climbing is reported. Plan a full day for the long approach, faint tread, ford and route-finding.

After nearly three miles into the Belly River drainage, watch for a faint branch toward the river. Tread disappears around an unbridged ford, then the old route crosses a broad meadow without a visible trail. A narrow tread reappears and bends around Sentinel Mountain's north ridge. This is a remote route with substantial way-finding, not a continuously maintained path.

Trees screen much of the ridge traverse; views open on its west side toward Sofa Mountain, Sarcee Mountain and the North Fork drainage. The descent follows the north side of a seasonal creek toward the river. This route turns around at the North Fork; the old trail onward to Miche Wabun Lake is long overgrown and is not part of this hike.

Start at the Belly River/Chief Mountain trailhead parking area on Highway 17 just south of the US–Canada border. Allow about 12 hours as a planning estimate. The ford can be deep, swift and cold, especially during runoff; broken tread and the trail-less meadow require confident navigation. Check current park trail information before setting out and turn back if the crossing is unsafe. Pets are not allowed on park trails or in the backcountry.