Sandy ATV trails and reasonably close to Edmonton. Unfortunately, this NA is showing signs of abuse. Still, a potential destination for hiking and fat biking.

Nestow is a small hamlet off highway 2 which has seen more active times. The 2021 census counted 5 souls living in 4 of its private dwellings [1]. The Natural Area lies to the south of the hamlet but the collection of homes is worth driving around as some are eclectic.

Tawatina River is to the north of the hamlet. It placidly exits Hellwell Lake as it meanders its way north towards the Athabasca River. Glass-like describes the water course when I visited it in the fall of 2023. The NA is part of the watershed but is not near the River.

Hiking Icon – Don’t Be Fooled! While looking at the river from Highway 2, you might notice a hiking icon on Google. Tempting, unfortunately, it is on private land owned by the Nestow Recreational Retreat Society; the land is posted no trespassing. Don’t worry, there is lots to explore in the NA proper.

RR 245A Is a Sandy Road which bi-sects the NA. The land on either side of 245A is also sandy with sparse vegetation. Coniferous trees are predominate (including one named ‘Chad’). The road snakes out of the NA as it curves to the west while a north/south cut line follows the NA border.

A Slice of the County. The NA is almost sliced in two by a salient owned by the county. A fence provides access and is off the RR. For the critters, the start and stop of county land is indistinguishable from the NA other than a dirt track. The gate provides a handy parking spot for a few vehicles. 

Previously Logged? Close cropped tree stumps are found in an area just north of the county land. These suggest active logging perhaps 30-50 years ago in the NA. Regrowth suggests there was tree planting in the area. The southern portion of the NA has older growth trees and likely was not logged.

Opportunities…. Nestow has great opportunities as a day use area (noting the lack of amenities such as washrooms). One dry days, the area can be explored by fat bike following the quad tracks. This would extend the distances including possibly south into the lands owned by the Alberta Conservation Association.

… But Problems. Unfortunately, without nearby neighbours and being close to highway 2 makes Nestow a tempting target for abuse. There is some dumping throughout the site. More worrisome is evidence of very crude tree cutting in the southern portion. The quad tracks are both a blessing and a curse as they provide ready access.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

• Winter Challenge Category: ADVENTURE
• Worth Visiting to do some biking or lite hiking.
• No Washrooms or amenities.
• Potential for Kids Focused if part of a regional excursion.

Area Details

• Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council and Protected Notation Natural Area.
• Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 4/5, probably will go back but will go out in the Fall with a fat bike, etc.
• Map Reference, Location and Wayne Gretzky Units: 76.2km.
• Trail Classification:
• Overall (out of 5): 4; Rating: 12; Access: Granted; Develop: Limited Development. ; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: Two Seasons: Likely very muddy in the transitional seasons.
• The Drive Out: Hellwell Lake is very pretty, there are alternative NA, towns and things to visit with 50km of this NA.
• The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking.
• Kid Rating: Good noting no washrooms or amenities.
• Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: Nestow NA – 2023-10-08
  • Returned, 2024-10-07: additional tree cutting noted.

Notes and Reference

1. Wikipedia – Nestow

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.