Rail Trail

About this trail

Rail Trail is a 149.1 km out and back trail near Horburg in Kiska/Willson Public Land Use Zone. It runs 74.5 km each way. The route gains 2,957 m in total and tops out at 1,375 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 45 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It meets The Rocky to Nordegg Rail Trail at 7.9 km, and passes 11 other mapped junctions. At 61.0 km the trail forks. This route keeps left; the right fork is a 0.3 km side branch with the same name. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass Taunton Trestle Bridge and a stream crossing. Also used for mountain biking, horseback riding and backpacking.

Highest point 1,375 m, lowest 1,044 m, 2,957 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 25% over 100 m.

Along the way

1. 0.0 kmThe Rocky to Nordegg Rail TrailTrailhead
2. 46.4 kmRail TrailTrailhead
3. 49.3 kmTaunton Trestle BridgeLandmark
4. 71.4 kmStream crossing

Good for

• Hiking, Mountain biking, Horseback riding, Backpacking
• Dog friendly (on leash)

Rankings

• 13in Best backpacking trails in Central Alberta
• 13in Best backpacking trails in Kiska/Willson Public Land Use Zone

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.4440° N, 115.2967° W.

Driving directions

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

• Alberta Parks advisories and closures
• Alberta wildfire status

Nearby trails

• Amerada TrailModerate · 9.7 km · 178 m gain · 18.0 km away
• David Thompson TrailEasy · 1.8 km · 9 m gain · 23.9 km away
• Petro Canada Bicentennial TrailEasy · 6.5 km · 18 m gain · 23.9 km away
• Chimney TrailEasy · 1.2 km · 1 m gain · 24.1 km away
• Rocky Mountain House Cross Country Ski LoopEasy · 4.8 km · 3 m gain · 24.1 km away
• Petro Canada Bicentennial Trail · D LoopEasy · 1.0 km · 0 m gain · 24.5 km away