The Paper Bag

There are certain mountain bike trails that epitomize the style of riding of the towns they are in. Paper Bag in Nelson is such a trail: it’s steep, loose, and rocky. Its’ probably one of my favorite trails in town, I’ve ridden it three times so far this spring. Bear in mind it does have an optimal riding window, early season right after it’s been cleared of deadfall and while there is still moisture in the dirt is best. However any time is a good time to ride Paper Bag.

You’ll have to work a bit to get there, the easiest route to the trail head is straight up the Svoboda Road, the faster route involves a steep grunt of a climb up a short spur road to Frog Jam and then some nice singletrack climbing to the Svoboda Traverse. Troupe Beach is also at the bottom of the trail where you can go for a chilly post ride swim before you head back to town along the Rail Trail.

Check out a few photos below from a recent warm day ride on The Bag.