Here is information about the Ashton-Tetonia Trail. It has gravel surface that is not-suitable for road bikes.
The Ashton-Tetonia Trail ( Here is Trail Map ) officially opened in 2010 and extends nearly 30 miles between the towns of Ashton and Tetonia, Idaho. The trail occupies an abandoned rail spur once operated by Union Pacific (the Oregon Short Line). The trail includes five bridges and restored rail trestles. The gravel trail is managed by State of Idaho Parks and
Recreation and is open to snowmobiles in winter when there is enough snow to groom the trail.
Mountain bikers and hikers might want to go from Ashton to Tetonia so that you can enjoy views of the Teton Moutains; however, this is slighly uphill (only 800 feet elevation gain over the course of the trail).
There's a 1.4-mile detour off the main rail line in the France-Drummond area in Fremont County to skirt private property where access has been denied. Take County Road 4400 E. (gravel road at Rt. 32) north to County 700 N. (2-track dirt) then head west to pick up the trail again. Note the snowmobile route takes a different detour in the Drummond-France area than non-motorized users.
Gravel does not necessarily preclude using a road bike. Think Tunnel Hill and Virginia Creeper trails, However, I would not want to plan it just in case of rain.
ReplyDeleteThis blog has some images that show the trail as likely being perfectly fine for >25 mm tires.
http://countingpantographs.org/2013/07/12/vacation-photos-rail-trails-and-bear-tracks/
Yes, I took that into consideration, but trails typical of Tunnel Hill and the Virginia Creeper are described as "hard-pack" not gravel. See http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/TNH/faq.htm. The Ashton trail is described specifically for mountain bikes and the images that I could see of it were not inviting to skinny tires.
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