There's a 41-mile 'Big Potato Loop Trail' in Boise, Idaho — and You Definitely Need to See It

Rachel Chang
·2 min read
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This spud’s for everyone: Eat or bike your way through Idaho’s greatest potato adventures.

<p>Courtesy of Kelsey Webster via MTB Project</p>

Courtesy of Kelsey Webster via MTB Project

Idaho’s producers grow nearly one-third of all the potatoes in the U.S. a year — an unfathomable 11.2 billion pounds on more than 300,000 acres, earning the state its reputation as a total spud. With September being National Potato Month, there’s no better way to celebrate the root vegetable than by eating your way through the 19 stops of the Boise Potato Trail.

The state capital has gamified its starchy experience, allowing spud seekers to use a free interactive digital pass to earn points for every dish and drink tasted along the way, with the chance to earn prizes.

<p>Courtesy of Westside Drive-In</p>

Courtesy of Westside Drive-In

Among the standout spots on the trail are 10 Barrel Brewing for potato chip-infused nachos, Bear Island Brewing Company for Idaho potato ale, Goodwood Barbecue for Idaho potato skins, Guru Donuts for Idaho potato donuts, The BrickYard Steakhouse for peanut butter mashed potatoes, and Westside Drive-In for famous ice cream potato.

"A trip to Boise, Idaho isn’t complete without taste testing all the different delicious ways a potato can be presented,” Visit Boise said on its site.

That’s not the only trail that's an ode to Idaho's famous vegetable. Mountain bikers can head out on The Big Potato Loop Trail through Boise’s foothills on a potato-themed journey. All together, the trail is 41 miles and climbs to an elevation of 6,500 feet, and back down again.

“Legend has it that those who complete this trail go down in Boise history,” Visit Idaho said on its site. "When it’s all said and done, you can pat yourself on the back and give yourself a personal trophy for conquering one of Boise’s best.”

<p>Courtesy of The Inn at 500 Capitol</p>

Courtesy of The Inn at 500 Capitol

For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the veggie, the boutique downtown property, The Inn at 500 Capitol, has a themed Potato Room, with historic potato sacks behind the bed and a giant decorative photo of fries. 

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