Trail Name: Oak Hills Trail
Distance: 3.25km
Time: 55 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Conditions: This hike was done as a loop along two parallel trails. One was a wide hard packed gravel trail. The other was a narrow, single track of loose sandy dirt with a couple of minor wash outs. Both trails are almost perfectly flat.
Highlights: A lovely, flat, easy access trail in Westsyde. Also, a petting zoo at the entrance to the trail!
To get there: The parking area is at Westsyde Centennial Park. From downtown, head towards the Overlander bridge. Stay on Fortune Dr for 2.3km before turning right onto 8th street. Continue on 8th for 1.4km and keep right onto Westsyde Rd. In 4.8km turn right at the Westsyde Centennial Park sign onto Franklin Rd. The parking lot will be in 400m at the very end of the road. Or see it on Google maps here.
**This trail is a section of the Rivers Trail**
Park in the large parking area past the petting zoo. The trailhead is straight ahead up onto the dike. We followed the path to the right and continued down the wide, hard packed trail alongside the Oak Hills trailer park. To make this trail a loop, we decided to cut down a trail to the beach just past the last bench before the Rivers Trail joins up with Westsyde Rd. From here the trail is significantly more narrow and in some places, washed out. We followed this trail back to Centennial Park.
This trail appeared to be a popular trail for locals. It was being used by walkers of all ages with their dogs. The wider, hard packed trail runs along the river dike and is suitable for strollers, however, the loose dirt trail along the river’s edge is not. In some sections the trail is washed away or made up of loose dirt. However, it would be perfectly safe for any hiker as long as they are careful and cautious of their footing.
Westsyde Centennial Park is a fantastic location for families and includes many amenities. Families can enjoy picnics alongside the playground and water park. This park also features a soccer field, softball diamond and multi purpose arena. Not to mention the petting zoo which is always a hit with the kids.
See you on the trails!
