The trail society ranks this one as a double black ride - it begins in the hills south of town and winds its way down via roots and loose rocks, with features such as jumps, a ramp and a series of skinnies.
Unlike many double blacks, this trail is not sheer vertical. In fact, between features it rolls gently along forest floor at a blue diamond level. The route begins quietly, with a ramp option, and soon thereafter consecutive jumps (all with ride arounds).
It then becomes steeper, with short sections of flowy woodland between sheer dirt slopes peppered with loose rock. The crux of the trail occurs where the route pops out on the toe of a ridge, with a long, convoluded series of big rock faces.
Once back in the forest it's business as usual, with a big gap jump rocketing you onto a logging road known as 007. Scan the trees to the right just down from your landing for the continuation of the trail. There is immediately a series of planks, followed by two jumps - the second of which is a mild 2-footer that finishes off the trail.
You are now on the gasline road, head left, staying on the main road until you come to a large parking area alongside Malde Rd.
Directions:
In lower Rossland, find Spokane st and follow it south, past a division in the road. Stay left at Ross St, left again at Drake's and right at the last intersection. You are now on paved Malde Ck Rd. If not shuttling, park at a large, open area on the left - the railgrade trail cuts across this space, and there is a gate leading to private land at the far end. This is where you will come out at trail's end.
Continue by bike up Malde Rd, and keep going as it turns into dirt road. Climb for approx 25mins to another major logging road on the left, gated, called Tiger Main. If shuttling, this is as far as you can go by car.
Travel about 2km along Tiger, it is generally flatish, except for two steep consecutive switchbacks near your destination. After these, keep your eyes on the left for a signed trail leading downward - the start of Cherry Poppins.
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