Trail’s End is the extension to the Balancing Rock Trail in Creston, BC, and is a great trail to start your Kootenay hiking season with. It’s a doable 8.2km round-trip, but still challenging; just what you want to start with.
The beginning of the hike to Balancing Rock is a quick, but steep, 1.2km.
Don’t be deceived by the 230m elevation gain to the rock. You’re about to lose all that work.
Once you go past the rock, the trail heads back downhill into a marsh. The boardwalks are old and sketchy, but you have to cross to continue on. Do NOT follow the boardwalk to the Fern Forest Trail, keep LEFT. The Fern Forest Trail goes to Summit Creek Park across the highway.
Once you pass the marsh, the trail starts to climb steadily for approximately 1km. This is that part of the trail that’ll challenge you and make you realize: Wow, it’s been a while since I went on a decently long hike.
Thankfully, once you reach the top of this incline, you’ll have hiked almost all of the 650m elevation gain. And, there’s a sick viewpoint once the trail flattens out.
From this viewpoint it’s around 400m to the Holly Falls Trail, and then another 100m from there to Holly Falls.
Before the Holly Falls sign there is a small creek to cross. This is approximately 2.8km into the hike.
The Holly Falls are a great place for a little break because of the cold air and mist.
If you have the urge to climb to the top of the falls, go for it. Though, I can tell you it’s not really worth it. The most you’re going to get from it is sappy hands, and a few scratches from thorns.
Holly Falls is cool in the Spring, which is the best time to hike to Trail End. Though, with so many waterfalls in the Kootenays it’s tough to say where it places amongst the best waterfalls.
From the Holly Falls turn, it’s only another 1km to Trail End. You gain a bit more elevation and it’ll be challenging, but mid-hiking season it’d be a breeze.
Trail End offers great views of the Valley, the best views are of West Creston and the Creston Valley Wildlife Centre way below.
There is a bench to rest your legs and eat lunch.
As far as Kootenay hikes go, Trail’s End is a great one to start with if you’re someone who likes to jump right into it by pushing yourself a little bit. A 4-hour hike is a great accomplishment for the start of the season.
Have fun, pace yourself, enjoy the Kootenay views, and keep your eyes open for wildlife. It’s a great first hike, just don’t do it hungover… It’ll make for a long, rough day.
Details
Distance: 8.2km round-trip
Elevation gain: 650m
Estimated Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Kootenay Hiker 