I've got a secret to share.

Tucked in the hemlock and cedar forests of British Columbia's West Kootenays is a gem - the Galena Trail. Named for the ore (a mixture of silver, lead and zinc) that was responsible for taking the Silvery Slocan mining district to the height of riches, this rail tral is an historical wonder.

From the shores of Slocan Lake in Rosebery, the Nakusp & Slocan Railway wound up along the steep banks of Carpenter Creek. The year was 1894. Skirting past New Denver, the railway crossed Capella Creek before sidling above the narrow walls of Denver Canyon.

New Howson Creek, trains crossed the river on a long trestle bridge before reaching their destination - Three Forks. Ore was hauled down from Sandon and Cody six km away and the trains headed back down the hill to the lakeshore and on to Nakusp.

By 1910, the mining boom was near bust and the valley's glitter (and the railway) faded away. Volunteers have put countless hours of labour into re-opening (and maintaining) the 13 km (one-way) rail trail. Lush grasses and shrubs are mowed down along the trail. Wooden bridges cross creeks and marshy areas. Toilets and a picnic area are provided and, best of all, a well-maintained cable car provides an exciting, self-propelled glide across the frothing waters of Carpenter Creek.

The trail is scenic, often shaded (a bonus of a hot summer day) and chock full of historical finds - from original wooden railway ties under your feet, to scraps of metal, to the monster pile of wood that once housed an ore concentrator at Alamo Siding. Scattered interpretive signs provide a little insight into the area's past.

Now here's my secret. Galena Trail is a great walk, but it's a spectacular mountain bike ride! The trail (mostly double track, some single track) is rail grade - easy pedalling up and a blast coming back down. It's not very often that I'd pick cycling over hiking, but this rail trail is an exception!

No matter how you do it, walking or riding, don't miss the opportunity to go Galena way!