North Fork Blackfoot Falls There and Back

The Hobnail Tom Trail (Trail #32) is a scenic 7.3-mile route following the North Fork Blackfoot River canyon into the Scapegoat Wilderness. Starting from the trailhead, the path features a relatively gentle grade with minor rolling inclines, ascending from an elevation of approximately 4,736 feet to a maximum of 5,544 feet. The trail passes through sections of forest recovering from the 2017 Rice Ridge Complex fires, offering views of returning plant life, wildflowers, and seasonal huckleberries. The route leads to the historic North Fork Cabin, located about seven miles from the trailhead. Robust footbridges cross the crystal-clear waters of the North Fork Blackfoot River, which is well-known for bull trout angling. The trail accommodates both hikers and stock users, with some narrow sections requiring yield awareness for livestock traffic. Just beyond the cabin area, the trail offers views of the North Fork Falls from the cliffs above. The waterfall is particularly robust during the spring runoff.