Idaho


Trailhead for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho | Photo by Kevin Belle, courtesy RTC
Trailhead for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho | Photo by Kevin Belle, courtesy RTC

Idaho is primed to carry the Great American Rail-Trail across its state, with the vast majority of the preferred route already existing. When complete, the trail will create a seamless connection from Mullan to Plummer and the Idaho-Washington border.

The host trails that make up a majority of this route include the NorPac Trail and a Rail-Trail Hall of Fame inductee, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, which was part of a historic environmental mitigation and cleanup effort led by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Known for their exceptional views of the rugged and beautiful Idaho landscape, the trails have helped to spur outdoor tourism and recreation across the Idaho Panhandle.

Related: In Northern Idaho, two ‘epic’ bike routes showcase the success — and potential — of the rails-to-trails movement (Washington Post)

The “Great American” Route Through Idaho


RTC’s route analysis defines the preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail through Idaho as 89.6 miles and 88% complete—comprising 79.1 existing trail miles and 10.5 gap miles. Click the links below to view full trail descriptions of Idaho’s host trails on TrailLink.com.

Idaho | Economic Potential of the Great American Rail-Trail, 2022
Idaho | Economic Potential of the Great American Rail-Trail, 2022 | Download report

Download Idaho Economic Impact


Trails Along the Route



Gateway Trail


Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes | Photo by Lisa James
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes | Photo by Lisa James

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, managed by the state of Idaho in partnership with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, offers one breathtaking vista after another on a nearly 72-mile route across Idaho’s Panhandle. The paved pathway earns its Hall of Fame Rail-Trail reputation as it crosses Lake Coeur d’Alene on the stunning Chatcolet Bridge, traverses the rolling foothills of the Palouse prairie and traces the shoreline of the Coeur d’Alene River.

View Blog Feature  View on TrailLink


Route Reveal Celebration


Live from Wallace, Idaho, along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes


Trail Stories about Idaho


More Idaho

Be a Part of the Movement to Complete the Great American


Like you, we can’t wait to see the Great American Rail-Trail vision come to life—but we can’t do it alone. Help us reach 1 million pledges for the Great American, showing the strength and solidarity of the trails community.

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