The existing trailhead at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park off Weigles Rd. will be moved about 100 metres up the road where a more expansive parking lot will open by the end of the year. The project includes improved trail signage (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

hiking upgrades

Significant upgrades at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park underway, some trails closed

Oct 13, 2020 | 12:45 PM

NANAIMO — Numerous safety upgrades at a popular mid island hiking destination are getting started, kickstarting a substantial overhaul of prized Benson Creek Falls Regional Park.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) announced crews are slated to begin installing a new 40-stall gravel parking lot this week on the Weigles Rd. entrance to the park, home of well used Ammonite Falls.

Park visitors to the Weigles Rd. access point are told by the RDN to expect temporary closures of marked trails and access roads.

A complete trail closure of the steep ravine section leading to Benson Creek is in effect, where a bridge will be installed, according to the RDN.

The RDN anticipates various trail upgrades will be done by the end of the year.

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Trails in the regional park off the Jameson Rd. entrance are unaffected.

Stairs with railings and a cable will aid trail users to a narrow steel bridge across Benson Creek where a log had long served as a makeshift crossing.

A highly anticipated staircase leading to to the base of nearby Ammonite Falls is scheduled to be open by March 2021.

Earlier this year the RDN landed a $103,000 contribution from the Island Coastal Economic Trust to ensure extensive upgrades to the park can be done.

The entire project’s budget is $700,000.

Benson Creek Falls Regional Park is an 80-acre forested park just west of Nanaimo city limits, featuring a mix of flat and steep hiking and mountain biking trails.

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