The Manitou Park Pump-track is a hidden gem, nestled in the forest at the northwest end of Naramata's Manitou Park. However, since I've seldom spoken with folks who are aware of its existence, I felt that it deserved to be highlighted here.

It appears that the pump-track was created by locals, along with some assistance from Naramata Parks, and that the track dates back nearly a decade.

What is a pump-track you ask? Well, in its truest form, it looks like this. The Manitou Park track is a lot less intense, more like a nice, rolling, low-bermed track for little kids to have fun.

I took some time to reacquaint myself with the track this week, and found it to be in decent shape, but it could stand some hand-pruning of brush and a quick rake of the trail surface. Any takers?

The pump-track can be located by driving to the community of Naramata, located 15km. north of the City of Penticton. Entering via Naramata Rd., (which, technically-speaking, changes name from Naramata Rd. to Robinson Ave. at the top of the hill, prior to descending into the community of Naramata) hang a left on 4th. street, and follow it to the intersection of 4th and Old Man Rd.

At this intersection you will note a forest directly ahead and to the left; this forested area holds the track,

Not only is the track itself a neat place, but your kids will also love the immediately adjacent Manitou Park, which is a real beauty, and one of my personal favorite hideaways :-)

If you need better instructions, navigate to the Google Earth section of links off the main page and click on the Manitou Park Pump-Track link!