This lovely local trail is super for hikers or bikers; a Blue Trail (moderate degree of strenuous exercise, but nothing scary); almost any time of year as it is ‘South Slope’ and gets/retains very little snow.
And the views are superb; especially if you go off trail for 100 meters in a couple of special spots (see if you can find them) to look down on our beautiful Nicola Valley.
Do it as an ONB (Out and Back); start at the flagpole and follow Tom Lacey Trail for half a kilometre, then a sharp left following ‘Scenic’ Trail for another half a kilometre; then keep left at the ‘Scenic’ junction. The trail meanders up gradually (it was built as a two-way trail by mountain bikers in the 1990’s), passes the entry to Supra Scenic heading northeast and has lots of shady areas, and one small stream about three kilometres along.
After seven kilometres, you will finally get to the double track and to the drop in for Dangle; a Double Black trail I built five years ago. Do not descend it on bike or by foot, as it is appropriately categorized. This is the Upper Scenic trail end; so retrace your route back, and enjoy the trail and views in the new Westerly direction.
You may encounter an occasional horse rider, or a moto, but rarely, as this trail is a bit off the beaten path; that’s what makes it so nice; the solitude as well as the views. And if you have to bail out, there are several moto tracks which go right down to the North Bench.
Please pack out all your litter. You will see deer on Upper Scenic so control your dogs, and bears and cougars have been seen in the area this year. Upper Scenic is part of the Merritt Crown mountain bike race course. You can see the entire course on the Trailforks App, under Merritt Trails. You can do this on your computer and just print a copy; or get the app on your phone for GPS tracking. Ride On!
