MULLAN — Nestled high above the Silver Valley floor, one of North Idaho’s most unique attractions is set to open next week.

The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile, rails-to-trails experience unlike any other. With its dark tunnels that require special lights to see through, over trestles that are hundreds of feet above the mountain landscape, it is truly a spectacle.

“This was once known as the most scenic section of railroad in the country,” route director of marketing Matt Sawyer said. “It is now a scenic bike trail.”

Sawyer isn’t shy about his passion for where he works, and it’s easy to see why.

Riders will experience something new each and every time they are on the route, even if they’ve done it multiple times.

Now a member of the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame, the ride features 49 different interpretive signs that discuss the history of that particular location on the trail, including the history of the railroad and the men who built it, the surrounding forests, the Big Burn 1910 Fire and even why Taft was called the wickedest city in America.

For those looking to escape the restraints of technology, the Route of the Hiawatha might be heaven on earth, especially for anyone who likes working up a sweat surrounded by natural wonder.

And it’s easy to get back to your vehicle if you only want to make it a one-way trip.

“No cell service along the path, true wilderness views,” Sawyer said. “It’s a mostly downhill ride with the option to enjoy a shuttle bus ride back to the top for you and your bike.”

The Paul Pass Tunnel is another feature of the ride that must be experienced in order to understand just how cool it is – it stretches for 1.6 miles beneath the Bitterroot Mountain range in both Montana and Idaho.

Annually, the Route of the Hiawatha sees 70,000 visitors per season, and since the trail follows U.S. Forest Service land, a significant portion of the funds collected go to preserving the trail, the tunnels and the trestles.

Sawyer is always trying to figure out new ways to bring more people to trail. This year, he’s excited to announce they have purchased a number of new Marin and Schwinn bikes, as well as several Burley trailers that can be rented.

Along with all the standard two-wheeled options, riders can rent recumbent bikes, adult tricycles and tandem bikes.

Riders who are new to the Route of the Hiawatha can expect their ride to take 3 1/2 to four hours. Sawyer suggests beginning rides between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Sawyer is also excited to announce the route is bringing back its popular night rides. June 3, July 3, Aug. 1 and Aug. 30, riders will be able to take in the night sky with nothing more than a headlight to guide them along the trail.

The Route of the Hiawatha officially opens a week from today, May 26, and is open seven days a week.

For information or to make a reservation, visit www.ridethehiawatha.com.