Hiking in Dehcho

The Deh Cho Connection highway route offers several scenic short hikes. Many are located in Territorial Parks and campgrounds. Twin Falls Park, for example, has boardwalk trails, stairs and viewing platforms. At Lady Evelyn Falls Park, trails from the campground lead to picnic spots above the falls. Sambaa Deh Falls Park also features hiking trails, one leading to a second waterfall on the Trout River. At Fort Liard, trails lead to a nearby lake and to a mountain fire tower.

Dehcho Trails

Don't forget to check with park attendants, visitor centres or community residents for the latest information. And do follow the rules for avoiding bears.

Twin Falls Gorge Trail

The trail linking Louise and Alexandra Falls is a level path above the banks of the Hay River. Signs describe how Dene portaged these falls. About 250 metres past the campground, a staircase spirals 138 steps down to the lip of Louise Falls, which cascades 16 metres over a sheer ledge. Descend the steep bank to the base of the falls using the rope guideline. Climb back up the staircase and continue along the boardwalk, past viewing stations that overlook the layered bedrock of the Gorge. The trail continues to 36 metre Alexandra Falls and stairs that take you to the bank of the river above the Falls, where you can walk to their very edge. Trail Length: 2.8 km, moderate difficulty.

Escarpment Creek Trail

This is part of the trail network linking Louise Falls campground to the Escarpment Creek day-use area in Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. There are views of the steep gorge walls sculpted by the Hay River. Access from Highway 1 at the day-use area, or the trailhead from the east side of the playground at Twin Falls Park Trail. Trail Length: 3.8 km

Lady Evelyn Falls Trail

On Highway 1 about 100 km west of Enterprise, there's a sign directing you west toward Kakisa. About 7 km later, you reach the Lady Evelyn Falls Campground and the trailhead. This short but very worthwhile trail leads you through lush boreal forest and down a series of stairs to the riverbank for an awesome view of the Falls.
Trail Length: 0.3km

McNallie Falls Trail

Access from McNallie Creek Territorial Park, off the Mackenzie Highway 30 km north of Enterprise. Enjoy views of the 17 metre waterfall but stay on the path as you walk alongside the surrounding cliffs. Trail Length: 0.3 km

Coral Falls

At Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park, the Coral Falls Trail is part of a portage along an old trapping route that leads to Trout Lake. The path begins on a ridge above the Trout River, heading higher into the forest, becoming increasingly steep. It's a scramble up the final stretch to a spectacular clifftop view of Coral Falls. Exercise extreme caution here; the rock crumbles easily. Trail Length: 0.7 km, moderate difficulty.

Sambaa Deh Falls

At Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park, this trail starts just off the Mackenzie Highway at the top of the waterfall and leads down an old trail to a picturesque fishing hole. Look for a path entering the forest near the falls. About 500 metres along you'll spot a small "Fishing" sign. At the sign, use the rope provided to lower yourself 1.5 very steep metres through a narrow crevice to the rocky bank of the river at the bottom of the steep gorge. The layered shale and limestone surrounding the falls is rich with fossils dating from the late Devonian era, 400 million years ago. Please leave the fossils for others to discover and walk carefully to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Trail Length: 1.1 km, moderate difficulty.

Blackstone Trapper's Cabin Trail

There's a short footpath from the Blackstone Park campground to the Liard River where there's an abandoned cabin. Access at the trailhead indicated by a blue hiker sign to the right of the visitor's centre. There's another entry point near Campsite 19. Trail Length: 0.9 km

Blackstone Wilderness Trail

A short walk in lush boreal forest takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the Nahanni Mountains in Blackstone Territorial Park. You may see wolf, bear or moose tracks at the muddy creek crossings. Trail Length: 1.5 km

Fort Liard Mountain View Trail

This is a scenic trail along the shoreline of the Petitot and Liard Rivers in Fort Liard. For information on other trails near the community, please check with the visitor centre.

Fort Liard Fire Tower Hike

Climb Mount Coty across the Liard River for an unparalleled view of Fort Liard, the Liard River Valley and Nahanni Butte. For information, please check with the Visitor Centre.