Few people know about this excellent trail system in Barnhartvale.   About 12 km of trails can be found just off Barnhartvale Road.   The lower trails are in the open grasslands on double tracks.   The upper trails wind through the forest.   All trails are marked with numbered signs.   On the snow, we hiked the main Bunchgrass Trail (#1), then veered off to the outer trails system to complete a ragged lollipop-shaped 9.5km loop.

To access the Barnes Lake Horse and Hiker Trail system, drive out Barnhartvale Road past the Campbell Creek Road turn-off, continue up the hill and watch for Gardiner Road on your left. Park on Gardiner Road, then cross Barnhartvale Road to the trailhead between two private homes. This is a public access easement and leads up to a trailhead sign, map, and gate.  There were brochures in the box there with trail maps. We recommend following Trail #1 and then loop back on Trail #2 (Over the Top). We always enjoy the Outer Loops Trails too. This is a good shoulder season hiking area. We hiked it after the first snowfall, but want to return in the spring for emergence of early wildflowers and grassland birds.

More information on the trails – link