Rocky to Nordegg Rail Trail Opens
Canada's new 109km Rocky to Nordegg Rail Trail is being called one of the world's most anticipated hikes. The trail gained attention with 67 views on social media as hiking enthusiasts share excitement about the new long-distance route. This adds another major destination for international hiking adventures.
The trail follows the former route of the Canadian Northern Western Railway's Brazeau Branch, which operated from 1914 to 1985. This historic line was crucial for the region's coal mining industry, connecting the mines at Nordegg to the rest of Canada. The railway's closure in 1955, due to declining coal demand, and formal abandonment in 1986 paved the way for its eventual transformation. A project 30 years in the making, the trail's development has been a collaborative effort between the Government of Alberta and Clearwater County. The Alberta government has committed approximately $6 million for the design and construction, part of a larger $33.7 million investment in Crown Lands Trails and Tourism. Clearwater County has contributed over $900,000 in cost-matching and other donations. The trail is being constructed in phases, with roughly half of the 109-kilometer route now accessible. The first two phases saw an investment of $2.4 million to develop 45 kilometers of the trail. Phase 3, connecting Sunset Creek to Chambers Creek Provincial Recreation Area, is expected to be completed in late 2025, with the final phase tentatively scheduled to begin construction in the fall of 2026. One of the trail's most significant features is the restored 220-meter Taunton Trestle bridge. A viewing area with parking for RVs, picnic tables, and an observation deck opened in the summer of 2025, offering panoramic views of the historic structure and surrounding landscape. This multi-use trail is designed for year-round recreation. In the warmer months, it accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, off-highway vehicles, and horseback riders. During the winter, the trail is open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding. The trail provides access to a remote and scenic part of Alberta's Bighorn Backcountry, winding through forests and valleys. Users can access the trail from multiple points, including Saunders and Harlech Provincial Recreation Areas. Along the route, there are opportunities to see wildlife such as elk, deer, and moose, and to pass through the ghost towns of Saunders and Alexo.
