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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
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.
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
- abys trail map.pdf (507 KB)
Region Details
- 18
- 3
- 34
- 1
Stats
- Avg Trail Rating
- Trails
- 56
- Total Distance
- 39 miles
- Total Descent Distance
- 17 miles
- Total Descent
- 5,167 ft
- Highest Trailhead
- 982 ft
- Total Vertical
- 829 ft
- Reports
- 174
- Photos
- 165
- Ridden Counter
- 1,352
Popular The Abyss / Extension Ridge Trails
| status | title | difficulty | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Abyss | |||
| Secret Ninja | |||
| Humble Ninja | |||
| Connector | |||
| a connector trail | |||
| Nookie | |||
| Keiths | |||
| Humility | |||
| Sticks and Stones | |||
| Fuzzy Bunny | |||
| Honey Brown | |||
| Pipedream |
Recent Trail Reports
| trail | date | user | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extension secondary road | Jul 5, 2017 @ 9:22pm Jul 5, 2017 | trailmountain | ||
| Secret Ninja | Jul 5, 2017 @ 9:22pm Jul 5, 2017 | trailmountain | ||
| Connector | Jul 5, 2017 @ 9:22pm Jul 5, 2017 | trailmountain | ||
| Humble Ninja | Jul 5, 2017 @ 9:22pm Jul 5, 2017 | trailmountain | ||
| Keiths | Jul 5, 2017 @ 9:22pm Jul 5, 2017 | trailmountain |
Current Trail Warnings
Photos of The Abyss / Extension Ridge Mountain Bike
trail: Easy Peasy
37 | Easy Peasy, Vancouver Island
Mar 25, 2017 @ 7:55pm
Mar 25, 2017
trail: Easy Peasy
42 | Easy Peasy, Vancouver Island
Mar 25, 2017 @ 7:50pm
Mar 25, 2017
trail: Humble Ninja
70 | Humble Ninja, Nanaimo
Feb 19, 2017 @ 6:49pm
Feb 19, 2017Videos of The Abyss / Extension Ridge Mountain Bike
trail: The Abyss
4:05 | 331 |
Mar 14, 2016
trail: Tree Farm
4:30 | 173 |
Feb 5, 2012
trail: Inside Out
2:12 | 26 |
Oct 19, 2011
trail: Inside Out
2:12 | 160175 |
Oct 18, 2011
Recent Comments
| username | type | title | comment | date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | trail | Totally destroyed by loging. | May 21, 2017 @ 12:19pm May 21, 2017 | ||
 | trail | Large tree down over the staircase, as of Aug... | Aug 1, 2016 @ 1:35pm Aug 1, 2016 | ||
 | trail | Trail is easy passable now, still a little... | Feb 19, 2016 @ 7:51pm Feb 19, 2016 | ||
| report | It is there, same spot in fact, you cant miss it | Feb 19, 2016 @ 7:44pm Feb 19, 2016 | ||
| trail | Just a note here: The trail near here called... | Feb 13, 2016 @ 2:51pm Feb 13, 2016 |
Recent Activity
| username | action | type | title | date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| balance8 | add | ridelog | Jul 20, 2017 ride log | Jul 20, 2017 @ 8:31pm 2 days |
 | nvarner | add | ridelog | Jul 20, 2017 ride log | Jul 20, 2017 @ 4:10pm 2 days |
 | LeeZav | add | ridelog | Jul 19, 2017 ride log | Jul 19, 2017 @ 7:42pm 3 days |
| LeeZav | add | ridelog | Jun 27, 2017 ride log | Jul 19, 2017 @ 7:11am Jul 19, 2017 |
| Gingerrocket | add | ridelog | Jul 19, 2017 ride log | Jul 19, 2017 @ 7:00am Jul 19, 2017 |
Nearby Riding Areas
| name | distance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridge Runner | 5 | 31 | 1.6 km | ||
| South Benson | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2.5 km |
| Westwood | 2 | 32 | 6 | 2 | 3.7 km |
| The Bay | 6.4 km | ||||
| Linley Valley | 1 | 3 | 7.4 km |
Local Mountain Bike Directory
-
Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club
-
Coal City Cycles
-
Hub City Cycles Community Co-operative
-
Rock City CyclesBike Shop
-
Arrowsmith BikesBike Shop
-
Pacific Rim BicycleBike Shop
view full directory »
- By canadaka Plus & contributors
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- #1354 - 10,150 views
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