Bicycling: Located on HWY 93, we are a great destination for bicyclists on their route across Montana and Idaho. Whether you want to stop and check your email at our Library or find a spot to stay, we have options. If you are with a large group, contact Town Hall (821-3753) or Darby School (821-3841) to arrange a place to stay. Town Hall can provide field/dry camping with port-a-potty, no showes, at Darby Rodeo Grounds depending on event schedule. Darby Schools can provide field/dry camping and larger facilities with showers. Solo or small group travelers might find a spot to stay at Travellers Rest – 406-821-3282 – www.travellersrestmt.usCamping: Whatever you prefer to camp in we have you covered. Several private campgrounds and multiple public spaces to choose from…check out the USFS camp spots here.
Hiking: Over 1600 miles of hiking trails–easy to difficult–in the Bitterroot National Forest. Enough to satisfy a variety of interests. Wildflower enthusiasts, camera buffs, and families will delight in the Bitterroot’s grandeur and mile-high clean air.
Swimming/Boating/Rafting: Como Lake, Painted Rocks Lake State Park, and the Bitterroot River offer great areas for fast or slower paced water fun.
Fishing: Right here in Darby the Bitterroot River has some of the best trout fishing in the country on the East Fork Btterroot, West Fork Bitterroot, or main Bitterroot River. Fishermen have access to streams, rivers and mountain lakes as well.
Wildlife Viewing/Photographers: Bird watchers and hunters are attracted to the area by the variety and abundance of our wildlife species.
Ghost Town Tour: Take a scenic tour through some great Ghost towns that are just a few hours away. Bannack is close so just come on through the Big Hole Valley to the Bitterroot to get on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Horseback Camping and Riding: Your trail to adventure starts in Darby. Horseback rides and summer pack trips can be found in abundance, through many outfitters, right here in Darby.
Lewis and Clark Trail: Darby is just north of Ross’ Hole in Sula and Lost Trail Pass right on the Lewis and Clark Trail. “Follow the route of the Corps of Discovery across Montana and take in the historical account of the historic journey as well as plan your own expedition to see and experience the same sites and sights that Lewis and Clark experienced more than 200 years ago.” (visitmt.com)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: Here are all the State Park sites within 10 miles of Darby.
Big Hole National Battlefield: is a memorial to the people who fought and died there on August 9 and 10, 1877; combatants in a five month conflict that came to be called the Nez Perce War of 1877. 10 miles west of Wisdom, Montana and about 1 hour from Darby.
Glacier National Park: Located a scenic 4½ hours away by car.
Yellowstone National Park: Located a scenic 6 hours away by car.