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Nakusp
Nakusp is a small Arrow Lakes town that is growing in popularity mainly due to its beautiful location, outdoor recreation and of course mountain biking. The Nakusp Bike Society (NABS) has developed over 50 km of trails at the Mount Abriel Recreation Site, with a deliberate focus on inclusive and adaptive trail design. It's one of the few trail networks in the Kootenays specifically built with accessibility in mind. Shon's Bike & Ski is the town's dedicated bike and ski shop, also operating accommodation for visiting riders. The hot springs and lake make Nakusp a worthwhile destination beyond the trails.
11 resources in this area
TrailRipper's Take
Nakusp is a sleeper destination but for not much longer — not many people outside the Kootenays know about it yet, which means the trails are quiet and the community is welcoming. The focus on adaptive and inclusive trails makes it a great destination for families that ride together.
Mt. Abriel Rec Site just north of town is where all riding happens including campground to stay right by the lake.
For the in-between riding days, our kids love the adventure playground at Centennial Park in town as well as the beach right across the road.
Where to start
Everything rides out of Mt. Abriel Rec Site north of town. Sky Captain (below the highway) is the green trail — short, bermed, family-friendly singletrack for the youngest riders. Lake Trail (2km doubletrack) is another flat, low-commitment option for younger riders or those on balance bikes. For older, more experienced riders, a great start is Dusty Panther (upper or lower). The climbing trail "Turn 'Er Up" is beautifully built and suitable for kids on bikes 20" up in our view.
A Long Weekend in Nakusp
Day 1 — Get the lay of the land
Ride the lower trails to understand how the network connects. Lake Trail to warm up, Roll Ups to Pounce Cap, Dusty Panther, then Sky Captain back to the gazebo. Total ride time around 1.5–2 hours with breaks. Spend the afternoon at the lake.
Day 2 — Shuttle day.
Drive the Lower Road and drop in at the ACME junction for the lower portion of Dusty Panther, or shuttle all the way to the top of Upper Dusty Panther for a longer descent. Repeat as many times as legs allow. Our kids wanted three laps before calling it.
Day 3 — Rest day.
We drove to Halfway Hot Springs, about 20 minutes away, and soaked in the natural pools beside the creek. Bring water shoes — the approach involves some creek scrambling. We got there on a quiet morning, which made the whole thing feel like a proper find rather than a tourist stop.
Day 4 — Let the kids lead.
By this point, they know which trails they love and which features they want to hit again. We went back to Dusty Panther and added Red Shed Redemption. All of us were on board with that plan.
Trails Worth Knowing
Plan Your Visit
How to Get There
From Revelstoke, head south on Highway 23. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and you'll cross Upper Arrow Lake on the Shelter Bay ferry — add roughly 30 minutes for that leg. The ferry runs every hour, so checking the schedule before leaving saves you from sitting in the lineup longer than necessary. On a busy long weekend, expect at least one sailing wait.
Coming from Nelson, it's closer to 2 hours via Highway 6 through New Denver. The road winds along Slocan Lake and through some of the prettiest scenery in the Kootenays. It's not a fast drive, but the views make the pace feel intentional rather than frustrating.
Where to Stay
Mt. Abriel Recreation Site
CampgroundBest choice for being closest to the trails. First-come, first-served like all rec sites— arrive by Thursday for summer weekends. A few spots are large enough for ~25ft trailers but most are more suitable for truck campers or tents. Beautiful location between the highway and the lake with multiple access points & beaches to the lake.
From Nakusp, drive ~8 km north on Highway 23, turn left onto Turner Road
More infoNakusp Municipal Campground
CampgroundIn town and most convenient with easy access to playgrounds, grocery stores, cafes and all Nakusp has to offer. Full hookups are available and most sites are nicely shaded.
314 8th Avenue NW, Nakusp, BC, V0G 1R0
More infoMcDonald Creek Provincial Park
CampgroundAbout 10 minutes south of Nakusp on Highway 6 toward Fauquier, with reservable sites — useful for families who want a guaranteed spot during peak season. There's a beautiful beach area that makes ride-free days easy to fill near the water or on a paddleboard. Just enough cell phone reception to arrange meeting with friends and a few sites with electrical hookups are available.
Highway 6, ~10–16 km south of Nakusp, on the east shore of Upper Arrow Lake
More infoCamp Valhalla at Summit Lake
Campground10 minutes toward New Denver, quieter setting with excellent swimming — though farther from the main riding. Our kids love it here. Hot showers, a solid playground, a pump track, and free boat rentals make it an easy place to spend time.
2384 Highway 6 (BC-6), Nakusp, BC, V0G 1R0
More info
MTB Associations
1 organisationBike Shops
1 bike shopTrails
9 trailsRed Shed Redemption
BlackRed Shed Redemption is a 743 m popular black diamond difficulty singletrack trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail can be used downhill only. It features berm, drop, jump, rock face and rock garden. On average it takes 3 minutes to complete this trail.
Dusty Panther
BlueDusty Panther is a 640 m popular blue difficulty singletrack trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail can be used downhill only. It features berm and jump. On average it takes 3 minutes to complete this trail.
Punce Cap
BluePunce Cap is a 909 m moderately popular blue difficulty singletrack trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. It features bridge. On average it takes 5 minutes to complete this trail.
Roll Ups
BlueRoll Ups is a 350 m moderately popular blue difficulty machine groomed trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail can be used uphill primary. Trail visibility is always easy to follow. On average it takes 3 minutes to complete this trail.
Turn 'Er Up
BlueA climbing trail on Mt. Abriel, Nakusp, BC. Described as a 'great climbing trail' in trail reports. Commonly used as the ascent route paired with Ride On as the descent. This is the first segment from the parking lot at the high to the ACME/Lower Road junction.
Turn 'Er Up
BlueTurn 'Er Up is a highly rated 3 km popular blue difficulty singletrack trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail can be used uphill primary. It features bridge. This is the 2nd segment from the Lower Road junction to the top of Upper Dusty Panther.
Upper Dusty Panther
BlueDusty Panther is a 640 m popular blue difficulty singletrack trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail can be used downhill only. It features berm and jump. On average it takes 3 minutes to complete this trail.
Lake Trail
GreenLake Trail is a 2 km moderately popular green difficulty doubletrack trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. It features bridge.
Sky Captain
GreenSky Captain is a 1 km popular green difficulty family friendly singletrack trail located near Nakusp British Columbia. This mountain bike primary trail and has a moderate overall physical rating. It features berm. On average it takes 3 minutes to complete this trail.
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