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Located near Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest of northwest Montana, Blacktail OHV Trail is unlike any other trail you will find in a National Forest. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous manmade "challenge features" along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. This trail system is the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) trail and by far the most unique trail system in Montana. Jeep owners from across the country might visit this area mainly in summer, but don't be fooled. Even during the winter, this area is a 4-wheeler's paradise.
Blacktail OHV starts at the easternmost trailhead for the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV trail system. This straight-through route follows Forest Service Roads 917 and 917A for just over 3 miles to the Truman Saddle Junction. When dry, the main road is an easy, bumpy dirt road that can be completed by any high clearance 2WD vehicle. However, there are sporadic obstacles on the sides of the trail the entire way. The obstacles are entirely manmade with some natural help and are called "Challenge Features." This eastern leg makes up only one of the three legs of the ORV trail system, and Blacktail OHV has the easiest challenge features of the three legs. Challenge features along this leg consist of mainly dug-out holes and small hill climbs. Combine this trail with Upper Dayton Creek and Wild Bill - Eagle Mountain to complete the entire Jeep Badge of Honor.