Helena’s South Hills trail system is often pointed to as a major attraction and economic influence, and now a study released last week provides some hard data to show just how many locals and visitors hike, run and bike the trails.

Helena’s South Hills trail system is often pointed to as a major attraction and economic influence, and now a study released last week provides some hard data to show just how many locals and visitors hike, run and bike the trails.

Last year from May to September, the University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research conducted a trail usage and economic impact study on the South Hills. To gather data, a monitor moved between trailheads, counting users and surveying them on residency and spending.