Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC
About Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, British Columbia
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is an extensive hiking trail system that is around 650 km (400 miles) long and takes hikers through the hills and mountains of the scenic Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. The trail includes massive tunnels that cut straight into the mountains to allow for trains to easily pass through. It also features what is probably the most popular section called Myra Canyon which is located just outside of the city of Kelowna. Myra Canyon is an attraction because of the 18 wooden bridge trestles that were built here in order for the trains to safely navigate the rugged terrain of Okanagan Mountain.
In the Naramata section of the rail trail, you will start your journey at the Smethurst Parking Lot. From there you will have the option to head south towards Penticton or north towards Kelowna. If you head north you will have a plethora of different trails and attractions to see.
Here are the different trails and sites you may want to see in the Naramata section.
Little Tunnel - 4.4 km hike that takes around 1.5 hours and brings you to a former train tunnel with spectacular views overlooking Okanagan Lake.
Rock Oven Park - The park boasts neat old ovens composed of rocks that were used by pioneers and railway builders to cook and bake their food.
Chute Lake - A scenic lake in the mountains that can be reached via the rail trail that features the Chute Lake Resort where you can camp overnight.
Exploratory Glory YouTube Channel
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC
History of Kettle Valley Rail Trail
The Kettle Valley Railway was opened in 1915 in order to meet the mining demands in the Southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. By 1961 most of the railway was completely abandoned leaving the tracks to deteriorate. For years the rail trail remained unused except for hikers and bikers who risked their lives using the sketchy tressels which are hundreds of feet above the canyon they’re built over. Until one day, a biker actually fell to his death, and that’s when it was decided that something had to be done to make the tressels safe for people to use. Nowadays the trail is very family-friendly and safe for hiking and biking and is a great multi-use recreational area that features historical sites and stunning views of Okanagan grasslands, wineries, and orchards.
How to Get There
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is broken down into sections and the one we’re covering today is the Naramata section.
Map of Kettle Valley Rail Trail
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Naramata, BC
More Okanagan Valley Hiking Trails
