MULLAN — The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is one of the Silver Valley’s most popular attractions and now the Mullan trailhead has some amenities befitting it as one of the bookends of the trail.

Consisting of a new shade shelter, bike rack, picnic table and bicycle repair station, the trailhead had consisted of basic parking and public restrooms for sometime, but the Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Trails wanted to see the area have a bit more to offer folks who visited the east end of the “Cadillac of the Rail-Trail system.”

Since opening up for riders in 2004, the trail has been one of the premier attractions in Shoshone County as trail riding enthusiasts, clubs and guided tours have flocked to the trail, as well as local residents who have found the trail to be a fun and convenient alternative to get around Shoshone County.

“Having a great trail, there’s a certain responsibility that comes along with it to make it nicer,” said Rick Schaffer, FCDAT president. “And this shade shelter, as well as other things along the trail is just stepping up to that responsibility.”

The project took extensive coordination at both the county and state level, as well as volunteer hours, but the end result is something that will make riding the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes continue to be a positive experience for all who use it.

“I think this is just the beginning,” Schaffer said. “We know there are other needs out there along the trail and we’re going to do anything we can to address them. This is a great American trail and another amenity to help keep this area alive.”