Allison Falls Trail opens with Community Walk

Attendees gathered for the Allison Falls Trail ribbon cutting hosted by the Alberta Hiking Association. Glen Girhiny from the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Laine Rogers from the Government of Alberta thanked volunteers for their contribution.

Contributor photo

Crowsnest Trails, working with the Alberta Hiking Association, marked the completion of the Allison Falls Trail with a celebration walk that capped an 18-month push to plan and build the route.

The trail measures 1.5 kilometres and connects the Atlas Staging Area to Rainbow Road. From Rainbow Road, users can continue toward the Allison Creek Fish Hatchery or Allison Chinook Lake. A new bridge and lookout sit at the base of Allison Falls.

Work began in spring 2024 and wrapped up in October 2025. Organizers tallied 1,127 volunteer hours across 26 trail days. More than 150 people contributed, ranging from first time volunteers to seasoned builders. Locals, visitors, four school groups and other recreation clubs took part. Crews used hand tools and received on-site training.

The project combined upgrades and new construction. On the east side of Allison Creek, 440 metres of fresh tread now leads to the base of the falls and ties into the new bridge and lookout. On the west side, 770 metres of existing trail were improved to handle foot traffic and wet weather better.

New wayfinding and heritage features were installed. An interpretive panel created with the Government of Alberta and the Crowsnest Museum highlights the Maclaren Mill and Flume. Trailhead signs were added to guide users from the staging area and Rainbow Road.

Funding came through the Government of Alberta’s Public Lands Trail Grant Program.

At a ribbon cutting hosted by the Alberta Hiking Association, Glen Girhiny from the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Laine Rogers from the Government of Alberta, thanked volunteers for their time and effort on the project.

Organizers said momentum will continue as maintenance and next steps are planned for the corridor and nearby links. Anyone interested in helping with future trail days can contact project coordinator Jenice Smith at crowsnesthikingcoord@gmail.com or 403-563-0146, and watch for updates on the Crowsnest Trails Alberta Hiking Association Facebook page.

The Allison Falls Trail is open for hiking now. Visitors are encouraged to pack out what they pack in and stay on marked routes.