Branch off the Great Northern Rail Trail for a lovely walk on flowing trails through the woods.
Difficulty. A1 Easy
Distance. 2.5 km one-way
Elevation. +190m
Season. mid-April to late-November
Drive. In the uphill part of Nelson, take Gore Street or Latimer St east and turn right (south) on Cherry Street. Park at the Mountain Station trailhead on the Great Northern Rail Trail.
Trail. From the trailhead, turn left (north)
0.5km. Raccoon Trail (unsigned). Climbs gradually in forest.
1.1km, cross a scenic stream on a bridge.
1.2km. Junction – the Badger Trail descends from the mountain biking trail network. Follow the signed Badger Trail as it curves down.
1.4km. Follow the overgrown road down to the rail trail or cross it to stay on the Badger Trail. Cross some mountain bike trails. This flat section of trail contours through the woods just above the rail trail.
2.3km. Junction – left rejoins the rail trail. OR continue straight to meet Anderson Forest Service Road at 2.4km for big views over Nelson. Rejoin the rail trail to loop back to the parking lot or retrace your steps back through the forest.
Reference
https://westkootenayhiking.ca/raccoon-badger-trail
