Families, senior citizens and people with mobility issues have another place to take a beautiful hike along the new trail at Hallis Lake.
After viewing low mobility trails in both Kersley and Costa’s Cove, the Cariboo Ski Touring Club (CSTC) felt it would be a good fit for their Hallis Lake facility.
The new trail is not just for low mobility users but for anyone looking for a leisurely hike along a gradual grade in a great setting.
Club members came up with the planned route which follows their existing Katimivik Trail along the shores of Hallis Lake. They had their plans reviewed by a consultant hired by Cariboo Regional District and invited local mobility-challenged residents to assess the final trail.
The 750m of low mobility trail winds along a compact, even 1.5 – 2m wide surface culminating in a expansive viewing area complete with a bench – all low mobility accessible.
When the low mobility local residents traveled the trail, they said it was a bit of a challenge but certainly endorsed the experience and the trail.
There are two loops with the green level a lower grade and the blue level slightly more challenging and slightly shorter – both loops are connected providing a more flexible hike.
Along the trail is also a low mobility accessible outhouse. CSTC has also recently completed new low mobility accessibility to the clubhouse with a covered ramp.
These trails are free for the public to use in the summertime and CSTC’s Ron Watteyne hopes to see lots of families take advantage of the terrific trails offered at Hallis Lake.
“I would like to see families and young children use the trails in the summer and familiarize themselves with what’s out there,” he said.
“And that would encourage interest in our winter activities. We’re please to see our memberships steadily growing
but we’d always welcome more.”
He added the 35km of trails are great for all ages for hiking, biking, horseback riding in the summer months along with snowshoeing and cross country skiing (all non-motorized use) in winter.
From downtown Quesnel at the junction of Carson and Highway 97 travel south for 1.5km then turn left on Hydraulic Road, Hallis Lake is 10km out, watch for signs, then turn left on Hallis Lake Road.
CSTC would like to thank CRD, Recreation Sites and Trails B.C., Government of B.C. Community Recreation Program, NDIT, Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition and Shane McCann Contracting Ltd. for helping make this project possible.
CSTC director John Redburn coordinated the construction of the trail.
“We’re happy to be rolling out our newest trail,” he said.
The club is also looking into the possibility of including in the Hallis Lake services sit-ski for low mobility patrons.
The Hallis Lake Low Mobility Trail is open for use now with the grand opening slated for 10 a.m., Aug. 13.
For information contact Ron Watteyne, 250-992-2855.
