Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

Seventy-three paved miles across the Idaho Panhandle between Mullan and Plummer, with 20 trailheads and 20 scenic waysides with picnic tables. That spacing makes it one of the easiest long trails to break into short family rides, and the asphalt suits any bike, trailer or stroller. Near the west end the trail crosses the 3,100-foot Chatcolet Bridge to Heyburn State Park, and elk, deer and moose are common sights. One practical rule matters here: the old rail bed was built from mine waste containing heavy metals, so the state asks riders to stay on the trail, eat at the waysides and trailheads, and wash hands and faces before eating.