The Friends of the Rossland Range (FORR) is making the backcountry accessible to everyone.
The volunteer organization completed construction of a wide, hardpacked trail designed for hikers, people who use walkers or wheelchairs, and anyone with mobility issues.
“It’s a one kilometre hard-surface trail on the summit itself,” said FORR’s Rob Richardson. “Along the way we put in two benches, one in the forest and one out in the open where you can look at the mountains.
“So anyone with mobility issues can enjoy a nice gentle walk.”
The trail winds through the forest and at about the halfway point comes to Booty’s Cabin, where FORR also installed a ramp to make the cabin easily accessible. In addition, FORR also built an outhouse with wheelchair access for users of the trail.
According to Richardson, Linda Worley from the Regional District Kootenay Boundary came up with the idea and thought it would be an attractive and compelling addition to the extensive trail network in the Rossland Range.
“I took it from there, and FORR created it over the past two years,” he said.
Richardson adds that it is also a wonderful destination for carehome residents and those who live with disabilities.
To access the trail, go to the pullout at Strawberry Pass, also known as Nancy Greene Summit. There you will find free parking and signs to direct public access to the trail.
The Rossland Range Recreation Site is a free public use area in the mountains near Rossland. Strawberry Pass Summit and the primary parking area is located about 19 km north of Rossland on Highway 3, or about 8 km south of the intersection of Highways 3 and 3B at Nancy Greene Lake.
In addition to the newly accessible trail, the area has a network of winter routes and a chain of unique day-use cabins for all ages and families who enjoy self-guided snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or backcountry ski touring.
In summer, there are a number of trails for hiking, mountain biking, watching wildlife, walking a dog or taking a horseback ride on summer trails.
Although, FORR asks that mountain bikers and horseback riders respect FORR’s request to not use the new trail.
For more information contact Richardson at rob@rosslandrange.org.
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