Muskeg Creek Trail partnership to enhance recreation and tourism in Athabasca
Muskeg Creek Trail development plan includes 12.5 kilometres of new mountain biking trails thanks to partnership with Athabasca Nordic Ski and Bike Club, Town of Athabasca, and Athabasca University
An expanded and enhanced Muskeg Creek Trail would see 10 new mountain biking trails spanning 12.5 kilometres added to the network and even more opportunities for year-round recreation in the heart of Athabasca.
The Muskeg Creek Trail Development Plan is a long-term vision for the popular green space through the Muskeg Creek Valley in Athabasca. The park covers 17.5 square km in the southwest part of town and Athabasca University (AU) campus.
The plan, finalized in March 2024, was led by the Athabasca Nordic Ski and Bike Club (ANSBC) and made possible by formalizing a long-standing partnership between the club and the two landowners: the Town of Athabasca and Athabasca University.
Boosting quality of life in Athabasca
The three parties have partnered on trail management and upkeep dating to the late 1980s. By formalizing that arrangement with a new agreement, ANSBC can begin applying for grant funding and fundraise to put the plan into action—and make the Athabasca region a new destination for mountain biking.
“Research increasingly shows that recreating in the outdoors has both physical and mental health benefits. Muskeg Creek Park is a beautiful place to do that—and it is right on our doorstep here in Athabasca,” said Henrik Asfeldt, a longtime member of the ANSBC. “Muskeg Creek is already used by many for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking, and running. We look forward to increasing outdoor recreation opportunities with the addition of purpose-built mountain bike trails and a mountain bike skills park.”
“We are extremely excited to be part of a new community partner initiative that will see a major enhancement to our Muskeg Creek Park trail system,” Athabasca Mayor Rob Balay said. “The future expansion and potential for not only our local trail users, but the ability to become a destination site for trail advocates from all over our province has the ability to become a real economic driver for our region year-round.”
“The Muskeg Creek Valley is one of the jewels of the Athabasca region and part of what makes our AU campus such a special place,” said Dr. Alex Clark, AU President. “Athabasca University, along with our partners, has been a proud steward of this green space for almost 40 years, and we’re eager for that work to continue. We’re excited about the future of Muskeg Creek Park and what it means for our community, trail users, and visitors to the Athabasca region.”
Making Athabasca a destination for mountain biking
ANSBC, with support from the Town of Athabasca and Athabasca County, engaged with consultants McElhanney to create the trail development plan. The Canmore-based firm has developed similar trail and recreation plans for communities across Western Canada.
The development plan outlines enhancements over three phases. This includes the development of 10 new trail loops that would be purpose-built for mountain biking.
None of the existing trails in Muskeg Creek Park were designed for mountain biking and the nearest official trails are several hours away.
Asfeldt said mountain biking has grown in popularity “by leaps and bounds” since the 1970s. The Nordic ski club recently expanded its name to reflect its desire to expand membership and create mountain biking opportunities in Athabasca. Communities like Squamish, B.C., and Moab, Utah, have become international destinations. Here in Alberta, Hinton, Bragg Creek, and Canmore are growing in popularity.
“These towns have benefitted from opportunities for their residents but also by attracting tourists who travel there to ride. Athabasca Nordic Ski and Bike Club, in collaboration with AU and the town, intends to provide these opportunities for residents of our region as well,” Asfeldt said.
Park designs include a pump track, skills park, and primary and tertiary trailheads to the park. The biking trails would range in difficulty from green routes over easier terrain (37% of all bike trails) to blue (42%) and black (21%) for more experienced riders.
Cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, nature appreciation
All trails in the park would be designed to accommodate multiple uses year-round to enhance the existing 10 km of existing trails. Trail designs aim to avoid conflicts between uses so that volunteer-groomed cross-country ski trails are not damaged by mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing, walking, or running.
Plans also call for a junction design where trails would lead to a central hub to help minimize the amount of time users need to refer to maps.
Protecting local wildlife
Muskeg Creek Valley is an important natural corridor for wildlife including beaver, deer, moose, coyotes, black bears, and birds. That makes it a popular destination for birders and other nature enthusiasts.
Trail improvements have been designed to minimize the impact on wildlife, their habitat, and food sources.
