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Layers winter
Trail Style
  • ?
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
LEGEND
Trail Difficulties
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  • Green
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Double Black Diamond

Trail Report Status
  • Clear / Green
  • Minor Issue / Yellow
  • Significant Issue / Amber
  • Closed or Major Issue / Red

  • Land Owner Overlay
  • Wilderness (typically no bikes in USA)
  • BLM (public)
  • USFS (Wildlife sanctuaries darker than usfs)
  • State land
  • Native/Tribal
  • Military
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
  • Map Markers
  • trail Trail Head
  • photo Photo
  • place Directory Listing
  • region Riding Area
  • TTF TTF
  • Parking Parking
  • Viewpoint Viewpoint
  • Information Information
  • Warning Warning
  • Directions Directions
  • Water Fountain/Source Water Fountain/Source
  • Sight Sight
  • Restrooms Restrooms
  • Gate Gate
  • Camping Camping
  • Trail Sign Trail Sign
  • Table or Bench Table or Bench
  • Other Other
      Extension Ridge is an XC trail network between Harewood and Extension, in the south of Nanaimo. The area is primarily singletrack on rock that runs north to south on successive parallel ridges with connecting trails between ridges. It has seen significant logging activity in recent years, but still has many beautiful spots worth visiting, including the locally famous "Abyss", an earthquake fissure that you wouldn't want to fall into.
      Primary Trail Type: Cross-Country
      Three Creeks google parking directions
      Access Info:
      There is a trailhead on the north end of the network up Harewood Mines Road a little ways past the highway overpass and another on Extension Road to the south.

      North entrance: When you reach some cement barriers on your left park and ride up beside the steps on the right a little ways down the logging road. Keep right until you see a sign for the Trans Canada Trail. This is the start of the Abyss.

      South entrance: Following Extension Road west you will pass Cinnabar Drive to your left. Continue 500m along Extension Road until you see a gate on your right. Park along the road by gate and head along gravel road west to enter Hootenanny or north under the powerlines to enter Potsticker.
      Links
      Files
      Region Details
      • 19
      • 3
      • 36
      • 1

      Local Trail Association
      local trail association
      NMBC       (nanaimomountainbikeclub.com)

      Stats

      Avg Trail Rating
      Global Ranking
      #291
      State Ranking
      #64
      Trails
      59
      Total Distance
      39 miles
      Total Descent Distance
      17 miles
      Total Descent
      5,185 ft
      Highest Trailhead
      982 ft
      Total Vertical
      829 ft
      Reports
      437
      Photos
      180
      Ridden Counter
      2,467

      Photos of The Abyss / Extension Ridge Mountain Bike

      trail: Connector
      9 |
      Jan 26, 2018 @ 9:10pm
      Jan 26, 2018
      Connector, Nanaimo
      trail: Connector
      9 |
      Jan 26, 2018 @ 9:10pm
      Jan 26, 2018
      Connector, Nanaimo
      trail: Connector
      7 |
      Jan 26, 2018 @ 9:10pm
      Jan 26, 2018
      Connector, Nanaimo
      trail: The Abyss
      20 |
      Jan 26, 2018 @ 9:08pm
      Jan 26, 2018
      The Abyss, Nanaimo
      more photos »

      Videos of The Abyss / Extension Ridge Mountain Bike

      Abyss South Nanaimo GoPro
      trail: The Abyss
      4:05 | 442 | Mar 14, 2016
      Crooks
      2:51 | 1936 | Mar 6, 2012
      pilchuck tree farm
      trail: Tree Farm
      4:30 | 209 | Feb 5, 2012
      From the Inside Out - Official Trailer
      trail: Inside Out
      2:12 | 26 | Oct 19, 2011
      more videos »

      Recent Comments

      usernametypetitlecommentdate
      user #628fishtrailTree FarmThe flowers are out now, very scenic
      May 11, 2018 @ 9:07pm
      May 11, 2018
      user #628fishtrailThis Bud's 4 UJust stay on the abyss
      May 11, 2018 @ 9:06pm
      May 11, 2018
      user #1482967LionchasertrailThe AbyssJust wondering if this is appropriate for...
      Mar 23, 2018 @ 9:34am
      Mar 23, 2018
      user #332stickboytrailHootenannyHootenanny is still there and rideable. I...
      Jan 7, 2018 @ 8:45pm
      Jan 7, 2018
      user #980882A123456789123456789123456789trailThe AbyssVery very beautiful trail ! There’s...
      Oct 30, 2017 @ 6:47pm
      Oct 30, 2017
      more »

      Recent Activity

      usernameactiontypetitledate
      user #1027436ToddBlightaddridelogMay 18, 2018 ride log
      May 21, 2018 @ 4:36am
      4 hours
      user #1071118LeeZavaddridelogMay 20, 2018 ride log
      May 21, 2018 @ 1:30am
      7 hours
      user #1027436ToddBlightaddridelogMay 20, 2018 ride log
      May 20, 2018 @ 5:55pm
      14 hours
      user #1537652KatieSmitcommentridelogMay 19, 2018 ride log
      May 20, 2018 @ 4:17pm
      16 hours
      user #1401154Chad100addridelogMay 20, 2018 ride log
      May 20, 2018 @ 3:25pm
      17 hours
      view more »

      Nearby Riding Areas

      namedistance
      Ridge Runner 5 331.6 km
      South Benson 2 3 11 22.5 km
      Westwood 2 38 7 23.7 km
      The Bay6.4 km
      Linley Valley 1 37.4 km

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      • By canadaka Plus & contributors
      • Admins: NMBC
      • #1354 - 11,924 views
      • the abyss / extension ridge activity log | embed map of The Abyss / Extension Ridge mountain bike trails | the abyss / extension ridge mountain biking points of interest
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