Skip to main content

Nelson - Great Northern Rail Trail

48 Km

The Great Northern Rail Trail runs between the village of Salmo in the south and the city of Nelson in the north. The railway was operated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe and in 1999, the final removal of the rails and ties was completed. It is a multi-use trail which forms a section of the TransCanada Trail.

The trail has a gravel surface in the Salmo area which is also the portion of the trail which allows motorized traffic. The trail’s gravel surface improves north of Ymir, where motor vehicles are prohibited. There are multiple trailheads along the way with vehicle parking.

The rail-grade is easy, meaning it’s an easy route for biking and hiking and perfect for families. Troup Beach is located at Five Mile Point – a great picnic spot with shallow water, sandbars and solitude. You will also cross three long wooden bridges and pass through rock cuts as you journey on.

Due to grizzly bear foraging, each spring part of this trail is normally closed annually for the 10 kms between Cottonwood Lake and Hall Siding (northern section about 8 km south of Nelson) from May 1 to late-June.

MORE INFORMATION:
TrailsBC.ca
TrailForks.com
Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism
Nelson Visitor Centre
KootenayRockies.com

Trail Features

Accessibility
This trail is accessible for everyone.
Biking
This trail is accessible by bike.
Bridges
This trail has at least one bridge.
Bus
This trail is accessible by city transit.
Food & Drink
This trail has food & drink options.
Hiking
This trail is accessible by hiking.
Loop
Trail is a loop
Motorized
May Have Motorized Vehicles
Parking
Free parking at the trailhead.
Pet Friendly
This trail is pet friendly.
Restroom
This trail has a restroom for public use.
Water
This trail has water fountains.
Wifi
This trail has wifi access points.

Trail Difficulty

Easy
1 out of 5 Trail Condition good. Updated surfaces with light grade. Family Friendly.
Moderate
2 out of 5 Trail Condition good with light grade. May encounter rough trail surfaces and vehicles. Be prepared with proper trail essentials.
Challenging
3 out of 5 Trail Conditions can vary from good to needing improvement. May encounter fairly rough trail sections, Sand, Rock, Potholes, debris and may encounter vehicles. Can have long sections without any amenities. For the more adventurous user. Be prepared with proper trail essentials.
Difficult
4 out of 5 Trail Conditions can vary from good to poor. Will encounter rough sections along the way, steeper grades at parts and will most likely encounter vehicles. For adventurous users. Will have long sections without any amenities. Be prepared with proper trail essentials.
Very Difficult
5 out of 5 Trail conditions will vary and you will encounter poor conditons with rough sections, potholes, and steeper grades. You will encounter motor vehicles and long stretches of trail without amenities. This is a long section of trail requiring multiple days. Be prepared with proper trail essentials.

0 Comments

Tell us what you thought of this trail

Rail Trail Community

Explore All

Tag us on instagram #railtrailbc