Alberta Hiking Association Newsletter
October 2025
Greetings Alberta Hiking Association
Fall 2025 Newsletter
Alberta hikers! Fall is here and it is time to get out and enjoy the fall colours. Trails may be busier than usual given the teachers strike!
- Crowsnest trail updates
- Sheep River Ramblers Hiking Poetry
- Bighorn Hiking Trail Project Update
- Brush up on your Bear Safety
Crowsnest Pass Area
Volunteers Committed to Improving Trails in Crowsnest
Pass
This summer, volunteers with Alberta Hiking Association have
been busy tackling a trail connector on the Allison Falls Trail in Crowsnest
Pass. A section of new trail, a new bridge/viewpoint over Allison Creek and
trail improvements on the west side of Allison Creek now connects Atlas Staging
Area to Allison Chinook Lake.
With generous support from the Public Lands Trail Grant
Program and volunteers, over 160 different volunteers have donated 1200
volunteer hours on the project. The Government of Alberta and the Crowsnest
Museum designed a historic interpretive sign about the MacLaren Flume and Mill,
which we installed on the scenic bridge. Government staff have also installed
trailhead signage to help with wayfinding.
Everyone is invited to join our upcoming Allison Falls
Celebration Walk on Friday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the
Atlas Staging Area, host a Ribbon Cutting, trail users can do a self-guided
walk of the new trail and finish with tailgate refreshments.
To follow along on progress and learn about
upcoming Trail Volunteer Days, follow our Facebook Page: Crowsnest Trails –
Alberta Hiking Association or contact our Alberta Hiking Association’s Project
Coordinator Jenice Smith at crowsnesthikingcoord@gmail.com.
Ramblers Describe the Best Aspects of Hiking
Submitted by Doris Mehl, Diamond Valley, Alberta
The Sheep River Ramblers are a group of hikers, based out of Okotoks and Diamond Valley, who love to go a-wandering along the mountain tracks. Recently our members were given three unfinished sentences and asked to fill in the blanks. Here are the prompts and the answers; see if you can identify!
The best parts of a hike are:
· The beginning, the end and the in-between
· Camaraderie and companionship with like-minded people in one of the greatest parts of the world
· Being surrounded by so much beauty
· Meeting new people, the stunning views, eating lunch at the top
· Fresh air, tranquility, sharing the adventure with others
· A sense of accomplishment
· Amazing treats and beverages waiting at the end of the hike
· Staggering to the top of a ridge and eating lunch with a view
· The Wow Factor when you round a corner and see a waterfall or a new vista
Hikers are people who
· Enjoy being outdoors in spectacular surroundings
· Are pretty much like an adult 4-H group
· Are my kindred spirits
· Love the foothills, the front ranges, the lakes, rivers and creeks of the Eastern Slopes
· Look after each other with snacks, hugs, water and boundless empathy
· Respect the environment, are up for a challenge, understand the importance of exercise
· Get up early to drive to their destination where they battle wind, rain, sleet, snow, heat (or all of the above) to huff and puff and sweat, one foot in front of the other for miles, climb to incredible heights, and LOVE IT!!
· Remain positive through the worst weather and the toughest parts of the trail
When I am hiking
· I am grateful to be alive, I am in my element, I am filled with joy, I am getting my therapy for the week
· I am present in the moment, my problems seem small and insignificant, there is only the sun, the earth, the air, and me
· I like to identify new flowers, mountain peaks and birds (I am always searching for new ones)
· I admire every flower, mountain peak and bird—but never remember any nomenclature (“pretty purple flower” is good enough for me)
· I am wondering how much longer I can postpone neuroma surgery
· I pray, I smell the roses, I find peace in nature
· I like to challenge myself
· I feel part of a bigger world, I feel strong enough to tackle difficult terrain, I feel my horizons open and my thoughts expand
· I am joyful, and I’m happy to say I’m not the only one
· I wonder why I signed up for this pain and misery
· I am in the moment, which is the whole point—I am on vacation from my day-to-day demands back at home
· I am relaxed, refreshed, and don’t want to be anywhere else
Val-deri, val-dera, our knapsacks are on our backs. See you on the trails!
Big Horn Area
Bighorn Trail Project 2025 Season Report
BIGHORN BACKCOUNTRY, AB — The Bighorn Trail Project had a successful spring-summer season with a series of productive and collaborative outings aimed at improving trail access and safety throughout the region.
Productive Weekend on Tuff Puff, Kinglet, and Hidden Quartzite
Trail crews had a successful and strenuous weekend tackling the rugged terrain between Tuff Puff and Kinglet Lake. Volunteers established a clear and navigable route between the two points and are compiling a trail report complete with recommendations on way finding and carsonite pole installations for the route. These recommendations will be submitted to the AB Lands department in hopes of addressing unclear route navigations near the summit of Tuff Puff.In addition to route-finding, the crew removed extensive deadfall, significantly improving access.
This crew also tackled some much needed deadfall removal on Hidden Quartzite. The route was flagged and a large portion of deadfall cleared. A final section near the bluff remains, requiring chainsaw work due to dense blowdown on a steep pitch. Future improvements to this area may also include brushing and potential wet-area mitigation. “The deadfall is atrocious all around that area,” one volunteer noted. “A reroute would be a massive undertaking, so we’re looking at ways to work with the existing trail—possibly installing corduroy or log bridge sections to address the boggy spots.”
Trail Recon from Canary Creek to Hummingbird
In a separate expedition, another group undertook a multi-day reconnaissance trek in the Hummingbird Recreation Area. The objective: verify trail locations, assess river crossings, and identify outdated and overgrown routes into the mountains.
While many of the river crossings marked on maps are intended for equestrian use and present safety concerns for hikers, the team was able to navigate safely on foot. GPS pins and observations were collected using Avenza, and will be compiled into an updated route report for future trail planning and user navigation. Any hikers planning to travel into this area are encouraged to practise safe water crossing etiquette, pack extra food and supplies, track changes in weather and travel with an experienced back country hiker. While this is a beautiful area, weather can turn quickly, potentially leaving hikers without safe routes or crossings out of the area.
Community Collaboration: Joint Work Day with Nordegg Trail Society
On a high note for community involvement, the Bighorn Trail Project partnered with the Nordegg Trail Society for a joint trail maintenance day that saw a healthy group of local and visiting volunteers coming together. Armed with Pulaskis and chainsaws, the team worked side by side to break new trail and clear obstructed sections. The spirit of collaboration was strong, and the impact was immediate—with a few hundred meters of trail restored and made safer for future users.
Looking Ahead
As fall approaches, the Bighorn Trail Project will continue building relationships with its local grass roots partners. Volunteers, partners, and local supporters remain the driving force behind the project’s success.
Trail users are reminded to follow Leave No Trace principles and to share any updates on trail conditions to help inform future work.
For updates, trail reports, or to get involved, contact: coordinator@abhiking.ca
For more information on these Nordegg/Bighorn projects,
please contact Felicity Chitty our Volunteer email: coordinator@abhiking.ca/
phone: 778 918-5163.
Brush up on your Bear Safety
Though bear attacks are extremely rare, it is always a good idea to brush up on your bear safety.
Remember:
- Always carry bear spray, ensure it is accessible, and know how to use it
- Hike in groups and make noise to alert wildlife to your presence
- If you hike with a dog, keep it on a leash
- Avoid bear habitat during times of increased bear activity.
For further guidance on bear safety, please visit the Alberta government website: https://www.alberta.ca/bears-and-outdoor-recreation#:~:text=Be%20cautious%20when%20seeking%20off,and%20make%20lots%20of%20noise.
Additional information is available from Alberta Parks:
https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/advisories-public-safety/outdoor-safety/backcountry-safety/
Trail Reports
Wondering about fall trail conditions? The Friends of Kananaskis Country have a helpful Trail Reports tab on their webpage for Kananaskis Country and Bragg Creek. https://kananaskis.org/trail-reports/
Alberta Hiking Association is a registered nonprofit society advocates on behalf of Albertans who hike, walk and snowshoe abhiking.ca
This newsletter is published quarterly.
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To become an AHA member, or renew your membership, please fill in the online form on our website. Individual memberships are $15/year, organizational memberships are $50/year. Please Contact Us for more information.
