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Payne Bluffs (K&S Trail)

Following the old K&S (Kaslo and Sandon) Railway, this trail winds high from Sandon to the bluffs overlooking Three Forks. It visits several mine sites with interpretive signs sharing the region’s history.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 13.6 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Kimbol Lake

A forested trail, carpeted with moss and pillared with old growth trees. The subalpine lake is cradled in a steep valley with limited views but still a worthy destination.

Summary
Trailhead: Nakusp Hot Springs
Distance, round trip: 11 km
Elevation: +551 m
Season: mid-June to early-November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Galena Trail

Galena is a natural lead and silver ore—it was the stuff of miner’s wildest dreams back in the days of the “Silvery Slocan.” This is a historic rail trail that was used to bring ore down from the mines at Sandon. Today, the Galena Trail is a pleasant walk in the forest with an exciting cable car crossing.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 15.2 km
Elevation: +175 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Hot Springs Trail

Yes, you can hike all the way into the Nakusp Hot Springs! This is a mossy multi-use trail that follows Kuskanax Creek, tracing a historic pioneer route used to access the springs. Most hikers prefer to go one-way, arranging a pickup or hitching a ride after a good soak at the hot springs. This trail is sometimes referred to as “Kuskanax Creek”.

Summary
Trailhead: Alexander Road or Nakusp Hot Springs
Distance, one way: 9.8 km
Elevation: +250 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Telegraph Trail

The Telegraph Trail flows through the mossy forest floor and traces an old telegraph line, with the ceramic insulators still fixed to many of the trees. The trail ends with a scenic bench at Wilson Creek.

Summary
Trailhead: West Wilson Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 10.6 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Raccoon-Badger Trail

If you think hiking on the Great Northern Rail Trail is a bit boring, then you’ll want to head up into the woods. The Raccoon and Badger Trails offer a welcoming experience for new hikers and trail runners- smooth, flowing trails just above town. Be cautious of descending mountain bikes and move off the trail to give them space.

Summary
Trailhead: Cherry Street or Gore Street
Distance, round trip: 5km
Elevation: +190m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)

Going up and over Elephant Mountain is a big day. But sometimes that’s just what you need to break in those boots! This is a difficult hike with significant elevation, but it’s scenic and close to home! At each milestone, the City of Nelson shrinks further below and more and more peaks unfold from the distant valleys.

Summary
Trailhead: Pulpit Rock Trailhead or Lyon’s Bluff Trailhead
Distance, round trip: 13.5km
Elevation: +1120m
Season: mid-May to late October
Difficulty:  Difficult
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Smallwood Lookout

The Smallwood lookout boasts one of the biggest benches with one of the biggest views. It’s part of a large mountain bike trail network, but hiking the Smallwood ridge-line as an “out and back” is an easy option with lots of reward.

Summary
Trailhead: Garrity Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 4.14km
Elevation: +153m
Season: mid-May to late October
Difficulty:  Easy
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McPhee Waterfall Loop

Everyone loves a good waterfall! And Little McPhee Falls is a two-tiered beauty that roars during the spring melt and quiets to a mossy trickle in the fall. This forested trail can be extended into a nice loop above the Kootenay River.

Summary
Trailhead: McPhee Forest Service Road
Distance, round trip: 7.66km
Elevation: +215m
Season: mid-April to early November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Dove Hill Loop

A short hike with panoramic views over Castlegar! This is a great shoulder-season trail as the main climb is snow-free in early April. You can also extend your hike to reach the Brilliant Overlook Trail higher above.

Summary
Trailhead: Aaron Road
Distance, round trip: 5.7km
Elevation: +182m
Season: late March to late November
Difficulty:  Easy
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