Ptarmigan Road – Huckin' Eh

5.50 km
265m gain
2.50 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
5.50
Distance
kilometres
265
Elevation Gain
metres
2.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

A small parking area at the trailhead provides convenient access to this popular mountain biking area. From here, Ptarmigan Road follows a wide and easy forest service road, serving as the main climbing route to the Huckin' Eh and Pump Daddy trails.


Huckin' Eh is a fun and flowy downhill trail that delivers a smooth, consistent descent through the forest. Designed to be one of the more accessible downhill trails in the area, it features well-shaped berms, rolling terrain, and enjoyable corners that make it suitable for riders with intermediate skills while remaining fun for more experienced mountain bikers.


For those looking for an extra challenge, the trail includes several optional advanced lines featuring drops, ramps, and technical features. These ride-around options allow riders to choose their preferred level of difficulty, making the trail enjoyable for a wide range of abilities.

Whether you're warming up for a day on the mountain or looking for a fast, flowing descent with optional technical features, Ptarmigan Road and Huckin' Eh offer an excellent mountain biking experience surrounded by the scenic forests and rugged landscapes near Smithers.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

 From Smithers, head south on Toronto Street from Highway 16, turn left onto Railway Ave, follow to the end and turn right on Dahlie Road. Cross the railway overpass and follow the hard left turn onto Hudson Bay Mountain Road (ski hill signs). Drive approximately 10 minutes up the mountain. At the end of the pavement, turn left onto Ptarmigan Road at the switchbacks. Turn right on Woodcreek Mainline. Leave a vehicle at the lower pullout (~200m up) for the shuttle bottom. Continue approximately 3km to the upper trailhead pullout and signed trailhead on the left. The trail ends at a T-junction with a horse/quad trail — turn left to reach the lower pullout.

Parking

Two informal gravel pullouts on Woodcreek Mainline: a lower pullout ~200m from Ptarmigan Road (shuttle bottom), and a small SMBA kiosk parking area farther up at the trail start. Both are free with limited capacity. Shuttle riding requires two vehicles or a pre-arranged pickup. No toilets on site.

Safety & Preparation

Woodcreek Mainline is an active forest resource road — logging trucks have right of way; never ride in poor visibility. This is an intermediate-to-advanced downhill trail with jumps, drops, and berms — full-face helmet and body armour are highly recommended. Bail-out options are limited mid-trail. Cell service is unreliable; let someone know your plans. Bears (black bear and grizzly) are present — carry bear spray and make noise. Check smithersmountainbike.ca for seasonal openings and conditions before visiting.

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