October 27, 2020 - by Jamie Stuckless
October 12, 2020 – The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a scenic 10-foot wide asphalt route that runs for almost 120km through northwest Idaho. Named one of the top 25 trails in the United States by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, it follows an old rail line and offers a gentle grade for a variety of users, including riders on Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.
The trail was created through a partnership between the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Union Pacific Railroad, the U.S. Government and the State of Idaho. The converted rail line was initially developed to service the area’s silver mines and was built on a bed of mining waste.
Today, the trail provides year-round recreational opportunities, as it passes through scenic lakes, valleys, farmlands and historic communities.
There are 20 trailheads along the trail, as well as restrooms and picnic areas outlined on this interactive map. No camping is permitted along the trail, but you can still have a multi-day adventure with a number of public and private sites nearby, in addition to cottages, hotels and B&Bs.
Biking along the trail is just one of the area’s many activities. Visitors can golf, paddleboard, birdwatch, shop, and visit museums.
You can also check out North America’s longest gondola and nearly 40 single-track trails at the Silver Mountain Bike Park. The park offers mountain biking trails for all skill levels, including a 3,400-foot vertical descent for experienced riders.
For more information visit here.