Guide to hiking trails in Peachland planned

Escorted hikes along 3 popular trails set for May 26

The hiking trails in Peachland are hard to find but, once discovered, never fail to invite repeat visits.

Only a rudimentary map of the trail network in the town of 5,200 people is currently available, but hiking enthusiasts hope to produce a much more detailed and comprehensive guide.

The map-making effort will formally kick off May 26 with escorted tours of three popular Peachland trails, including a newly developed one that takes hikers near a mine developed in the early 1900s.

That trail, known as the Gladstone path, also passes by a rare, 300-year-old yellow pine tree. The other two paths to be toured are part of the old Fur Brigade Trail, on the south side of town, and one along Trepanier Creek.

“The topography of Peachland rises up fairly quickly from the lakeshore, so from any of the trails there are absolutely stunning views,” Martyne Boutot of the Peachland tourism promotion committee said Wednesday.

“The trails vary in their difficulty, but in any event it’s hard to hike fast because you just want to keep stopping to look around,” Boutot said.

The new guide will have detailed topographical information, route markings, points of interest, mileage indicators and advice on where to park to access various trails.

It will be based in part on notes and observations made by participants on the upcoming guided tours. Those wanting to join the escorted hikes are asked to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at the visitor information centre, 5684 Beach Ave.

Participants will then drive or carpool up to the trailheads, with the hikes expected to take about two hours. A barbecue back at the visitor centre follows.

Pre-registration for the hikes is requested to help organizers better plan the event. Email Chris King at peachlandoutdoors@gmail.com.