I Love Nelson

Slocan Valley Rail Trail

trails — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:53 +0000

Trail name: Slocan Valley Rail Trail
Location: Slocan Junction to Slocan City
Driving directions: From Nelson drive West on Hyw 3A to the Slocan Junction. Turn right on Hyw 6 and drive approx. 5 km to Pass Creek Road. Turn left on Pass Creek Rd and the first point of entry for the trail is within 100 meters. If you drive over the bridge you have gone too far. To access other entry points along the trail you can take a left off of the highway on almost every road and get on the trail as it passes over all the roads from Cresent Valley to Slocan City.
Trail distance: 50 KM - or as far as you want to go
Time to traverse: Self determined. This trail can be accessed at multiple points throughout the Slocan Valley offering an opportunity to go as long and as far as you want.
Degree of difficulty: This trail is relatively flat never more than a 2% grade and you can go as far and as long as you like making this trail very easy to use and child friendly. This trail is also wheelchair accessible except in very wet weather when areas become muddy.
On line resources: Spirit of 2010 Slocan Valley Trail
Special Notes:
The Slocan Valley Trail is a lovely, gentle hike/bike through farm land, mountains, communities and forest. The trail runs along the Slocan River for most of the journey offering cool breezes and a chance to take a dip in the summer and invigorating water and ice scenes in the winter. This trail is for non motorized use only, welcoming hikers, bikers, horse back riders and cross country skiers. Communities along the way offer all amenities including food, lodging, recreation opportunities and more making this the perfect multi-day hike without the need to carry all your supplies.

Some areas of the trail have a softer surface that creates resistance when bike riding, a problem for some younger bike riders. For more ease when riding with younger children use the more northern ends of the trail and travel towards Cresent Valley as this is in general the downhill option.

Galena Trail

trails — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:42:02 +0000

Trail name: Galena Trail
Location: Galena trail runs from The Galena Trail runs from Rosebery to Three Forks can be accessed from three locations:

In Rosebery at the lake at the lake
From the top of the Sandon turnoff
Above New Denver at Denver Siding Road

Driving directions: Drive West from Nelson, towards Crescent Valley/Castlegar on Hwy 3A. At Crescent Valley turn right onto Highway 6 and drive North for approx. one hour to New Denver. From New Denver drive Northeast on Highway 31A for 8.2 KM and take a right at the turnoff for Sandon. Here you will find a parking area at the side of the road as well as the trail entrance.
Trail distance: The trail is 13 KM from end to end. Distance you travel depends upon where you start and end.
Time to traverse: On foot this trail can be a two to four hour hike. On your bike going downhill it is an exhilarating 1/2 - 3/4 hour ride.
Degree of difficulty: The Galena Trail can be a gentle walk downhill through heavily forested areas with a clear and smooth trail. Up hill the hike is more challenging. Crossing the creek requires use of the hand operated cable car, which is heavy and does require some muscle work.
On line resources: Slocan Lakes
Special Notes:
This trail is a particular favourite with its varied views, historical significance and excellent upkeep. Galena trail passes through mining areas of the past with the skeletal remains of old railroad sidings, miners residents and mining operations. The trail has been constructed as a non moterized trail allowing hikers and bikers to enjoy the peaceful quiet of the area. As you traverse you come across open vistas of the valley bottom far below contrasted with the closed in areas of lush forest.

Take a lunch and take the kids for a really fun day of hiking or biking adventure.

Kokanne Creek Waterfalls

trails — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:39:15 +0000

Trail name: Kokanee Creek Waterfall Trail
Location: Kokanee Creek Park
Driving directions: Head east from Nelson, driving over BOB (big orange bridge) on Hwy 3A for 19 Km. This is a lovely slow and curvy road and the drive will take about 20 minutes. You will see ample signage for Kokanee Creek Park. Take a right off the highway at the main entrance to the park then stay left and follow the signs to the visitor center parking lot. The Trail head can be accessed at the extreme right of the parking lot.
Trail distance: Approx. 1km round trip.
Time to traverse: this trail takes as long as you want it to, with a three year old poking around in the water this can be an excellent all day adventure. Alone with some walking sticks this can be a 10 minute power hike. It’s all perspective.
Degree of difficulty: This is an easy trail with a slight incline and one area with stairs. This trail is not wheel chair accessible.
On line resources: BC Parks
Special Notes:
The waterfall trail is just one of the many gentle meandering paths in Kokanee Creek Park. The trail follows Kokanee Creek upstream towards the falls with lovely places to stop and enjoy the rushing water. I have hiked this trail for years with my child and there is no end to the discoveries in this piece of enchanted forest.

In the fall walk along this trail and spot the spawning inland salmon that fight their way back home to complete their life cycle.

For a change of scenery on the way back you can take the Pine trail or the Woodland Walk Loop.

Exciting New Column

trails — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:00:13 +0000

ilovenelson.com is introducing an exciting new bi-weekly column featuring local hiking, biking, skiing and horseback riding trails. It is our intention to create a comprehensive resource base of local trails that will be archived on the site for everyone to use. Join ilovenelson in creating this archive by sending us your detailed description of your favourite local trails

Each article will contain:

Trail name:
Location:
Driving directions: (from Nelson)
Trail distance:
Time to traverse:
Degree of difficulty:
Special Notes:
Photos of the Trail: