Elkford Trails Alliance puts on contest to name new trail network

The Elkford Trails Alliance (ETA) is putting on a contest for their members to name a new (in the works) trail network.

According to a Facebook post from the ETA, they have been ‘hard at work’ building new, non-motorized trails between Elkford and Lost Lake.

“We are asking you to put your creative thinking-caps on and name this trail network!” the post reads.

“Our hope is that this prompts you to get on the trail, be inspired by its views and forest and come up with some names.

“But equally, we welcome fun, cheeky, historic or pop-culture themed names as well. Encourage your kids to submit names too!”

The north side of the loop was finished in October 2021 and groomed over the winter. It is currently ready for riders, runners, and hikers. A celebration of its opening is set for July.

The ongoing work is taking place for a south side of the Lost Lake trail and for a connector between north and south portions. The ETA anticipates finishing by mid-summer.

Both sections will be blue runs, with the south being more gentle than the north, the post reads.

The ETA requested that the names be family-friendly, and follow a general theme for the network, as sections might be added in the future following the theme.

They are asking people to submit one name for both the north and the south trails. ‘Upper’ and ‘lower’ might be added to the names to indicate being above and below the connector.

ETA members in good standing can submit their trail name suggestions by emailing elkfordtrailsalliance@outlook.com with the subject ‘Trail Naming Contest’, or drop off entries at the Elkford Visitor’s Centre with ‘Attn: ETA’.

Entries need to be in by June 27. The ETA board will vote and the winning name will be announced at the trail’s opening on July 18.

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