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Hiking | Brazeau and Beyond
Hiking on the trails in Drayton Valley, Brazeau County and the region beyond is a great way to get out and experience all the amazing ecological diversity this region has to offer.
From walking paths, to river ravines, to single track paths. There are amazing views and viewpoints to be had. Read more to find out exactly how you can start your hiking adventure.
Walks
Drayton Valley Paved Walking Trails
Drayton Valley walking trails: Drayton valley has 14 km of paved walking trails that lead through town and circles the perimeter. These trails link parks, playgrounds, residential areas and shopping centres. They are a great place to walk, run or bike the town.
Drayton Valley Museum Historical Walking Tour
The Drayton Valley Museum (Drayton Valley Historical Society) developed a historical walking tour that takes you around downtown Drayton Valley to some of the most historic buildings in the community. This is an excellent way to peer into the community's past while also exploring what it has to offer downtown.
Evansburg #thegrouch community walk
Downtown Evansburg you will find a number buildings painted with #thegrouch. This isn’t a formal walk but a community that is branded “The home of the Grouch” this is certainly an interesting way to get to know the businesses downtown.
Drayton Valley to Rocky Rapids
As the Coulee Road was developed Drayton Valley and Brazeau County joined the asphalt trail system to extend along the ring road linking the community of Rocky Rapids to Drayton Valley along RR 73 for a 6.6 km stretch - beginning at 50th Ave and RR 73. There are pullouts along the route so if you wanted to walk only a portion that is possible.
Hikes
Pembina Rotary Community Trails South (Cemetery Trails)
This choose your own adventure hike is a great overall place to get out in nature. This walk has some interpretative signage describing foliage you may see on the walk. There are four loops in total with some ravines and switch back linking the loops. Other than the transitions between the loops there are few hills. The trails are well packed and easy to navigate. Proximity to Drayton Valley makes these trails a quick and easy afternoon or evening hike. Click the title for the complete trail map. Average hike time varies.
Pembina Nordic Ski Trails, single track ridge trail traverse
If you wanted to hike the complete ridge circuit I would recommend bringing some tall rubber boots. The North side of this trail can be a bog. Or, rather than wading in puddles of water I would recommend entering the single track trail right of the old ski cabin. This trail weaves in and out of the Ridge Trail with beautiful views of the river and a good number of ups and downs. This trail connects back to the Ridge trail where you can make your way back to the parking lot. Click the title to get the trail maps. Average hike time: 30-45 minutes.
Pembina River Provincial Park Trails, Entwistle
Heading North, past the community of Entwistle on Hwy 16A there is a circuit of walking trails, called the Pembina River Trails. The walking trails are an easy stroll with very few hills on the top circuit. These trials can also be the starting point for a longer hike down to the Pembina River Provincial Park with an extension to Evansburg, AB. Upper circuit takes about 30-40 minutes to hike. Beyond the upper trials you can cross the Pembina River bridge and head up another set of trials that will lead you to the community of Evansburg, AB. Connecting the two communities is approximately 4 km to 5 km
Willey West Campground Interpretative Trails
The perimeter trail system at Willey West Campground, tickles the imagination with a Gnome Home, and delights the senses with views of the North Saskatchewan River. It can be started heading south from the boat launch. This trail is pretty flat, with a mix of a well packed trail and sand trail. This is an easy walk that young family members will enjoy.
Hill Top Trails - Eagle Point Provincial Park
The Hill Top Trails on the East side of the North Saskatchewan River in the Eagle Point Provincial Park are part of a multi use trail system. It is a nice circular hike with some gradual hills. The circuit can be shortened or extended. The trailhead is located just inside the park gates for the Willey West Campground off of Hwy 22 and RR70. In the winter the gates are closed but you can park outside the gate and access the kiosk by foot. Average hike time: 45 minutes.
Hillside Trails - Eagle Point Provincial Park
The Hillside Trails on the east side of the North Saskatchewan River in the Eagle Point Provincial Park are a part of a multi use trail system that uses natural ravine features to create a short hike that packs a punch. The hike can be done on its own, shortened or lengthened as part of a circuit with the HilltopTrail system. Access to the trailhead is off of RR 71. Average hike time: 45 minutes.
Buck Mountain - Provincial Grazing Reserve
Buck Mountain Provincial Grazing Area hike. Before you go in this hike review the provincial grazing area regulations. For optimal views of Buck Lake this hike is best done in the fall or early spring before summer leaf growth. This hike is located 6.1 km south of Hwy 616 on Oakes Bay Road. It is an unmarked rough road that climbs Buck Mountain. This is a short hike for all skill levels.As you climb you will see glimpses of Buck Lake to the south. You crest to see an old radio tower. North of the tower is a quad trail that takes you down a ravine and up a second/smaller hill. If you do this do it for the exercises as there are no views and no exit trails.
Distance less than 1km
Time: 20 minutes
Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/jLUnTzMp6xfS2n5q9
Rose Creek Trails - Alder Flats
The Rose Creek Trails are situated, through the community of Alder Flats heading west. The trails were originally developed as part of a nordic ski trail system and are now used by OHV enthusiasts, and hikers. There is no signage on the trails so navigate at your own risk and the trails are part of a large network of OHV trails.
