Hike of the Week
Rob Bryce
Special to The Citizen
This week's hike to the Blue Spruce portion of the Greenway Trail is a great place to venture out and explore the forest by using the main trail as an access route.
The majority of people who hike this section stay on the main trail, but the single track trails that veer off in all directions provide the more adventurous with a unique wilderness experience.
There are a variety of beaver ponds, marshes, and wetlands to explore that lie just off the trail. Some of the side trails traverse rock bluffs and outcroppings that provide climbing opportunities. There is a sense of true isolation while exploring the maze of trails even though they are all within close proximity to the Greenway Trail.
Take note of all the junctions as it is very easy to get lost and disoriented.
Description
The Blue Spruce trailhead can be reached by driving 2.7 km west of the Domano Boulevard and Highway 16 intersection. Turn right onto Kimball Road just before Art Knapps Plantland, and drive 0.4 km to the trailhead.
The UNBC trailhead can be accessed by driving up University Way towards UNBC and turning north onto the road just past the entrance to the university. The trailhead is 100 m down this road on the left.
The trail can be hiked from either trailhead, but most people start at the UNBC as it is a little closer to access the single track trails. The trail has had some recent improvements with a portion lined with wood chips from recent brush clearing. Other sections have had a compact gravel base added.
Starting at the Blue Spruce trailhead beside the old KOA campground, a metal gate and kiosk mark the trailhead. The first two km's are along a gravel road that leads to the old landfill.
The start of the forested trail begins after another metal gate. It is a further 2.5 km to the junction with the trail to UNBC. Staying right at this junction will lead back to the UNBC Greenway parking lot.
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For more information on this hike and others in this area, including airphotos, maps, GPS co-ordinates and trail photos, refer to the book Hiking North Central B.C. which is available at local bookstores.
