Tenderfoot trail walker tackles Callahan

There are not too many people out hiking these days. With the heat wave that Lincoln County as encountered in the past week can anybody blame people for staying inside?

If there is anybody that works up the courage to step outside the comfort of his or her air-conditioned dwellings, go check out the Callahan Historic Trail.

The trail is two miles long and has little to no incline. It’s an easy trail to hike with the family. The Three Rivers Ranger District gives it a difficulty rating of easy.

The trail follows the old railroad grade used for mining and logging during the early 1900s. There are signs with historical information located along the trail. If a hiker needs to stop and rest they are in luck, as there are benches located along the trail that have recently been refurbished.

The trail offers great views of King Mountain and Pulpit Mountain. It also offers a great view of the narrow canyon along Callahan Creek.

It’s a great trail for hiking and for those that are into cross-country skiing.

To get to the trail take Callahan Creek Road in Troy for approximately one mile and the trailhead is located on the left side of the road.

A sign along the trail titled “The Callahan in its Heyday” reads, “Looking at this valley it is hard to imagine the logging and mining activity that occurred in the 1920s. The Sandpoint Pole and Lumber Company was awarded a timber sale in the upper Callahan drainage in 1920. A sawmill was constructed in Troy and the railroad extended up to the Callahan drainage to its total length of over 12 miles. A combination of log chutes, horses and trains were used to log the area. Three logging camps were also established in the upper drainage for housing the loggers. Up to 120 employees were working out of these three camps during this time.”

For those that are looking to get outdoors and to learn more about the community they live in, check out the Callahan Historic Trail. Lincoln County has a rich history in the logging industry and the Callahan Historic Trail highlights that rich history in two beautiful miles.