Ashton to Tetonia Trail Paving

Ashton-Tetonia Trail Paving Project

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation plans to pave the Ashton-Tetonia Trail, most likely in the summer of 2025. Seeking to attract more users and to decrease the annual maintenance of the trail, the department secured federal funding to pay for the $3 million project.

Based on the experience with the Coeur d’Alene Parkway and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in North Idaho, the department expects the paving will be beneficial to the area’s economy.

Project Details

• Construction: Between July and September 2025
• Length: 25 to 29.4 miles, depending on the cost of materials and budget.
• Width: 10 feet
• Thickness: 3 inches of asphalt over a 9 inch base layer of compacted material.

Funding comes from an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of $3 million, which is designed for economic development. An economic impact study showed that the Coeur d’Alene Parkway and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes contribute $1.4 million and $1 million, respectively, each year to the local economy.

The benefits of a paved trail include a smooth surface for cyclists, parents with baby strollers, and for those with wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment. Asphalt will last many years with relatively low maintenance, alleviating the need to weeding, grading and other maintenance, which experience has shown to be a challenge.