bellis north natural area

[ABOMB177]

ANy info on this area? drive by all the time on way to work but dont know if its worth the drive for a afternoon. What is the conditions like? SAND? MUD? MUSTKEG?

 

[aircanam]

Only ridden there once but from what I remember, its pretty small and mainly sand.

 

[whoDEANie]

I've been there a few times. Usually stage at Smoky Lake and take the Iron Horse in. It makes the ride last longer, gives you a chance to feed a bit of speed to your ride, and is pretty scenic in spots. Aircanam is right about it not being a very big area (probably about 3 sq km) North of the highway and it is mostly sand with a couple of skeggy spots. I'd say, with the ride in from Smoky, it's worth checking out at least once for an afternoon ride.

I have never ventured South of the highway but I remember being told that there is considerably more riding out that way - perhaps someone can chime in and confirm that.

 

[Craneman32]

Where is this? Can you show us on the map?

ok google map pulls up the Bellis areas North and South. Then I found the Iron Horse trail that goes through Bellis.

http://www.albertatrailnet.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Northeast-Alberta-Trails-Map-West.pdf

That would be a great ride.

 

[AB RANGER 007]

Craneman32, here is two pix of the two areas you are looking for. the Belles Lake Natural Area is just yje small area on the South East corner of the Bellis North Natural Area. The rest of the Bellis Lake is a reserved area.

Bruce.

 

[Craneman32]

Why is the rest reserved? Not rideable? There is a powerline that crosses the highway there somewhere isn't there. It's very scenic. You see some trails from the highway and I always wonder how much riding you can actually do in there. It's only a hour from the house.

 

[AB RANGER 007]

Why is the rest reserved? Not rideable? There is a powerline that crosses the highway there somewhere isn't there. It's very scenic. You see some trails from the highway and I always wonder how much riding you can actually do in there. It's only a hour from the house.

I can not answer these questions, I have also seen some trails/markings along hwy 28 near the power line, do not know if the area is private or crown land, lots of burnt trees south of hwy 28 ??? If you go there, stop in Bellis and inquire about the Bellis Lake area, it might be a locale community project???

Bruce.