15- to 17-mile trail planned for Power County

A conservation group is gearing up to build a 15- to 17-mile recreation trail in Power County.

The Ferry Hollow Trail would start at Willow Bay in American Falls and run to Massacre Rocks State Park along a route that has yet to be determined.

“Whether it’s for walking, whether it’s for biking, whether they’d like to get out and snowshoe it,” said Jerry DeBacker, executive director of the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust.

DeBacker said a trail committee has been formed and they’re currently working with a planner from the National Park Service to develop the trail.

He said they’re keeping an open mind about where the trail would run and what it would be used for.

Karl Mauch, who lives in American Falls, said he would like to see the trail become a paved bike path.

“I usually ride about 15 to 20 miles every day, assuming the weather is good. So this would be a big thing for me,” said Mauch.

DeBacker estimates the trail would have to cross at least five properties. So far, two area landowners have joined the trail committee and they hope to get others interested.

“This really isn’t anything you can just snap your fingers and get done. It’s important to have a good plan in place and get everybody’s permission and then go build the trail,” said Sue Abbott, a community planner with the National Park Service.

DeBacker said it could be years before the trail is built.

You can provide your input on this trail by taking part in an online survey.