Route of the Hiawatha bicycle trail opens today

The Route of the Hiawatha Mountain Bicycle Trail will open this weekend, then remain open 7 days a week beginning May 23.

Today and Sunday will mark the opening weekend for trail use through Sept. 27.

The nationally acclaimed 15 mile "rail-to-trail" mountain bike or hike trail utilizes the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad grade between the old town site of Taft, Mont. and the North Fork of the St. Joe River near Avery.

The St. Paul Pass Tunnel is 1.66 miles in length and is one the highlights of a trail that has been described as "one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country."

The Hiawatha includes 10 tunnels and seven trestles as high as 230 feet along Loop Creek canyon within the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains. The trail is considered the "crown jewel" of all rail-to-trail projects in the country and delivers a one-of-a-kind adventure for riders from around the world. The best part is, it's all downhill with a gentle 1.6 percent average grade that drops 1,000 feet over the 15-mile length with shuttle buses available to transport riders and their bikes back to the top.

A wide variety of ability levels from young children to super seniors can enjoy the trail and its numerous historical and interpretive signs. Wildlife sightings of moose, elk and deer are a frequent treat. Trail passes, shuttle tickets, mountain bike rentals, souvenirs, and picnic lunches are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana border 12 miles east of Wallace.

Call (208) 744-1301 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com for trail information. Equipment reservations are recommended. The Hiawatha Trail is open daily from late May to late September, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Rail-to Trail Conservancy has included The Route of the Hiawatha in its list of hall of fame trails.