The Directors of Transplan Pty Ltd recently rode several rail trails in North America. Here is a summary:
Myra Canyon – part of the much longer Kettle Valley Rail Trail (in British Columbia). In 8.5km of the Myra Canyon you will pass over 18 trestle bridges and through 2 tunnels. Riding from Myra Station Trailhead to Ruth Station Trailhead and back means 36 trestles and 4 tunnels in just 17km – all in mountainous terrain with spectacular views. Bike rental is available at Myra Trailhead.
Route of the Hiawatha Rail Trail (Montana/Idaho border). Trail starts with a 1.7 mile (that’s 2.7km!!) tunnel at St Paul Pass Tunnel Trailhead. It’s 23km all downhill to Pearson Trailhead through 9 tunnels and over 7 trestles. A shuttle bus will take you back up to the long tunnel which you will ride again en route back to your starting point at St Paul Pass Tunnel Trailhead. Spectacular scenery. Bike rental is available in the area.
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (rail trail). From Harrison (Idaho) the rail trail follows the shoreline of the huge Lake Coeur d’Alene – for miles and miles in either direction. The entire rail trail is 73 miles long (117km). Mostly flat trail with magnificent lakeside views and wildlife galore. Bike rental is available in Harrison.
John Wayne Pioneer Trail (part of the Iron Horse State Park in Washington – an hour out of Seattle). Start at the Hyak Trailhead and head downhill for 33 km to Cedar Falls Trailhead (at Rattlesnake Lake). Within a few hundred metres of the start you head into the 2.3 mile long (3.7 km!!!) Snoqualmie Tunnel. Scary without lights. There are another 10 or so tunnels and about a dozen trestles and smaller bridges in the 33km. Breathtaking views. A must-do experience.
Photos of the trails are available via the following links:
Myra Canyon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157630614432996/
Hiawatha: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157631074068568/
Coeur d’Alenes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157631074659696/
John Wayne: http://www.flickr.com/photos/transplan/sets/72157631075005494/