Foulton lake-Granisle trail

108.40 km
1305m gain
10.00 hours
Level 4.0/5
4.0/5
Difficulty
Hard
108.40
Distance
kilometres
1,305
Elevation Gain
metres
10.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

The Foulton Lake – Granisle Trail is a major backcountry ATV loop connecting the Smithers/Houston area to the community of Granisle on the shores of Babine Lake, covering 108.4 km of forestry roads and ATV tracks through the rolling lake-and-forest terrain of central BC's interior. The route traverses a mid-elevation landscape between 715 m and 993 m, with a relatively gentle cumulative gain of 1,305 m spread across the full distance — reflecting the characteristic rolling plateau terrain of this region. Foulton Lake is a highlight of the route, a quiet backcountry lake surrounded by boreal forest and excellent moose habitat. The trail eventually reaches Granisle, a small former mining community on Babine Lake, providing a unique opportunity to ride into a remote community and return. The full loop is a genuine all-day commitment covering varied terrain and passing through outstanding wildlife country.

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 Houston or Smithers, access the forestry road network heading northeast toward Babine Lake. The trailhead is at approximately 54.9009° N, 126.6166° W, accessible via the upper forestry roads east of Houston. GPS navigation essential for this long route — download and load the full GPX track before departing. Fuel up fully in Houston before heading out.

Parking

Roadside staging at the trailhead on the forestry road. Space for several vehicles with trailers. No facilities. Overnight camping possible at self-contained campsites along the route near Foulton Lake.

Safety & Preparation

Fuel critical — at 108 km this route exceeds the tank range of most ATVs; carry extra fuel or arrange a fuel cache

Full day commitment — start by 7:00–8:00 AM; getting caught out after dark on this remote route is serious

No cell service for virtually the entire route — satellite communicator strongly recommended

Grizzly and black bear territory throughout — carry bear spray

Hunting season brings significant traffic August–November — wear blaze orange

Active logging roads on portions — yield to log trucks

River and stream crossings may be high during spring runoff

Check Granisle community road access conditions before the ride — the final approach into town can be seasonal

Located within the traditional territory of the Lake Babine Nation

GPX downloaded