A historic 100 km trail in Alberta with spectacular views is nearing completion
The historic Rocky to Nordegg Rail Trail is nearing completion, with major sections already developed and new phases of construction underway.
Stretching more than 100 km along the abandoned Canadian Northern Western Railway line, the trail is being built segment by segment and will link Rocky Mountain House with Nordegg.
More than 45 km have already been completed, thanks to $2.4 million in investments, including the redecking of the 220-metre Taunton Trestle bridge in 2022.
The rail line, constructed between 1910 and 1914, once carried coal, freight and passengers, supporting Nordegg’s mining operations until the 1950s. Abandoned in the 1980s, the corridor is now being transformed into a year-round recreational route.
This summer, the Taunton Trestle Viewing Area opened 65 km west of Rocky Mountain House. It features parking for RVs, staircase access to the trail and observation deck, and amenities such as picnic tables, outhouses, and garbage bins, along with sweeping views of the historic bridge.
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Looking ahead, Phase 3 will extend the trail from Sunset Creek to the Chambers Creek Provincial Recreation Area, including a new parking area near the trestle, with completion expected this year.
Alberta Government
Phase 4 will connect Chambers Creek PRA to Rocky Mountain House, adding approximately 20 km of trail, pending approvals.
Once finished, the Rail Trail will be a year-round, multi-use corridor. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts will share the path during the warmer months. In winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, or dog sledding. Amenities will include rest stops, picnic areas and remote campsites.
The Alberta government has committed roughly $6 million to the project over the next several years, alongside Clearwater County’s contributions of nearly $1 million, land and in-kind support.