Across the country, old railbeds have been transformed into the ultimate biking and walking paths. Traveling along these gorgeous old “Rails-to-Trails” lines, you’ll be able to see the same rolling, majestic landscapes that train engineers would have been able to see decades ago from their lofty engine perches firsthand.

Since 1965, more than 1,200 trails have opened on former railways nationwide. A Northwest favorite is the stunning Route of the Hiawatha through North Idaho, which is adored for its towering trestles and magnificent tree-filled panoramas. But few people realize there is an overlooked treasure tucked away in Southern Idaho as well, just an hour or so outside of Boise! It’s called the Weiser River Trail and it. Is. Fabulous. Officially called the Weiser River National Recreation Trail, here, you’ll find the longest rail-trail in the state, incredible landscape diversity, and all the small town charm you can hope for as this 85-mile path stretches from Weiser to New Meadows.

Still unsure? Here are 10 reasons why the WRT is perfect for your next family adventure. All aboard!

  1. All-seasons beauty.

CorrieRosetti/Flickr Late spring and early fall might give you the best temperatures, but this beautiful rail trail has charm in every season.

  1. Flat paths mean nearly everyone - no matter their age or ability - can ride, walk, bike, wheelchair, rollerblade, or cross-country ski this trail.

Royce Nowlin/Weiser Chamber/Facebook Talk about inclusive! While 85 miles is no easy feat, the relatively mild journey means you won’t have to worry about training for this trail like it’s an Ironman.

  1. Mountains. Mountains galore.

Jeff Myers/Flickr The Weiser River Trail may start in Weiser, which sits in a cozy little foothilled valley, but as it continues north, you’ll see those rolling hills gradually transform. Then, just north of Council, the open canyons and farmlands transition into the beautiful coniferous canopy of the west Central Idaho mountains.

  1. Speaking of mountains, in addition to the trail, you’ll find plenty of recreational options along the way.

Friends of the Weiser River Trail Camping, fishing, side trails, historic stops – and of course all the lake fun you could possibly hope for once you reach McCall! Stop by Tamarack Resort during the off-season to ride the zipline.

  1. Sparkling, rushing rivers and beautiful bridges abound.

Friends of the Weiser River Trail You’ll be traveling through some of the most diverse scenic stretches in the state, which means babbling creeks and foaming rivers around every corner. Crossing these beauties means taking a journey over multiple low trestles and charming wooden bridges that make for perfect photo ops.

Although, every sight along the way is simple and refreshing!

Friends of th Weiser River Trail Rails-to-Trals: The Weiser River Trail in Idaho

  1. You’ll definitely have bragging rights.

bill M/GoogleMaps This is the longest rail-trail in the state, so checking it off your bucket list will give you street credit for sure.

  1. It’s a hidden gem!

Friends of the Weiser River Trail While the WRT is a nationally-recognized trail, it doesn’t get the publicized attention that many of Idaho’s other trails do! That means no crowds and plenty of time and room to enjoy the journey from start to finish.

However, if you’re looking for a little company, there is an annual spring bike ride along the trail, and in May, a four-day wagon train event beginning in Weiser and ending in Council, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow Idahoans and trail riders if you so choose.

  1. Goats.

Friends of the Weiser River Trail Goats? Yes! Speaking of company, this beautiful trail was created at the hands of the Friends of the Weiser River Trail. Hundreds of hours of volunteer work went into clearing blockages, clearing the trail surface, and harmonizing with the natural vegetation. To help with ongoing maintenance, a few extra volunteers are called in once a year! In a miniature “Trailing of the Sheep” event, over 1000 goats are paraded down the trail to devour excess weeds and keep this gem looking its best. Natural weed control at its most adorable…. only in Idaho.

  1. Unexpected history.

Richard Bauer/Flickr Since this extended journey through rural Idaho was once the path of the old Union Pacific railroad, overlooked history is everywhere you turn. Whether you’re a fan of vintage barns and quaint general stores or in search of small-town museums, you’ll have the opportunity to be on the ground floor, so to speak, of the historic sites that make each of these towns unique. Take a few hours to stroll around town and see what you can find!

  1. Small town beauty at its finest.

Linda Paul/Flickr Does this one need any explanation? You’ll pass through the towns of Weiser, Midvale, Cambridge, and Council, each with their own unique charm.

Spring is finally here! Ready to make the journey?

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Author’s Note: With the rough winter of 2016-2017, portions of the WRT will be under maintenance for some time, although the trail itself is not closed at this time.

Whether you’re grabbing a tandem bike or lacing up your running shoes, this nationally-recognized trail is worth every scenic mile! Bonus: this year, the WRT is celebrating its 20th birthday.

CorrieRosetti/Flickr

Late spring and early fall might give you the best temperatures, but this beautiful rail trail has charm in every season.

Royce Nowlin/Weiser Chamber/Facebook

Talk about inclusive! While 85 miles is no easy feat, the relatively mild journey means you won’t have to worry about training for this trail like it’s an Ironman.

Jeff Myers/Flickr

The Weiser River Trail may start in Weiser, which sits in a cozy little foothilled valley, but as it continues north, you’ll see those rolling hills gradually transform. Then, just north of Council, the open canyons and farmlands transition into the beautiful coniferous canopy of the west Central Idaho mountains.

Friends of the Weiser River Trail

Camping, fishing, side trails, historic stops – and of course all the lake fun you could possibly hope for once you reach McCall! Stop by Tamarack Resort during the off-season to ride the zipline.

You’ll be traveling through some of the most diverse scenic stretches in the state, which means babbling creeks and foaming rivers around every corner. Crossing these beauties means taking a journey over multiple low trestles and charming wooden bridges that make for perfect photo ops.

Friends of th Weiser River Trail

Rails-to-Trals: The Weiser River Trail in Idaho

bill M/GoogleMaps

This is the longest rail-trail in the state, so checking it off your bucket list will give you street credit for sure.

While the WRT is a nationally-recognized trail, it doesn’t get the publicized attention that many of Idaho’s other trails do! That means no crowds and plenty of time and room to enjoy the journey from start to finish.

However, if you’re looking for a little company, there is an annual spring bike ride along the trail, and in May, a four-day wagon train event beginning in Weiser and ending in Council, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow Idahoans and trail riders if you so choose.

Goats? Yes! Speaking of company, this beautiful trail was created at the hands of the Friends of the Weiser River Trail. Hundreds of hours of volunteer work went into clearing blockages, clearing the trail surface, and harmonizing with the natural vegetation. To help with ongoing maintenance, a few extra volunteers are called in once a year! In a miniature “Trailing of the Sheep” event, over 1000 goats are paraded down the trail to devour excess weeds and keep this gem looking its best. Natural weed control at its most adorable…. only in Idaho.

Richard Bauer/Flickr

Since this extended journey through rural Idaho was once the path of the old Union Pacific railroad, overlooked history is everywhere you turn. Whether you’re a fan of vintage barns and quaint general stores or in search of small-town museums, you’ll have the opportunity to be on the ground floor, so to speak, of the historic sites that make each of these towns unique. Take a few hours to stroll around town and see what you can find!

Linda Paul/Flickr

Does this one need any explanation? You’ll pass through the towns of Weiser, Midvale, Cambridge, and Council, each with their own unique charm.

Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

Author’s Note: With the rough winter of 2016-2017, portions of the WRT will be under maintenance for some time, although the trail itself is not closed at this time.

For another epic trail to explore, but from the comfort of your vehicle – how about the most historic route in Idaho?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.