Overlander Trail

The Overlander Trail (Trail 10) is a moderate point-to-point route linking the Sixth Bridge trailhead east of Jasper with its Highway 16 endpoint. It follows the Athabasca River corridor through forest and open river views, with historic homestead remains and interpretive signs along the way. Parks Canada lists the complete route at 15.5 km (9.6 miles) one way, with about 65 m (213 ft) of elevation gain and a 5–6 hour hiking time. Most hikers arrange a shuttle rather than walk it out and back.

The route is mostly gentle singletrack with roots and rocks, rolling through mixed forest and along the river. It is a long day because of the distance rather than sustained climbing. The corridor includes historic touches and quieter river openings, but the scenery is more about steady valley travel than alpine viewpoints.

This is multi-use terrain with bike traffic on sections of the trail and junctions that can be easy to miss. Carry a map or GPS, make noise in bear country, carry bear spray, and keep dogs leashed. Water sources are not reliable, so bring enough for the full outing.

The logistics are the main consideration: use the Sixth Bridge access as the primary trailhead, arrange a car shuttle or pickup for the Highway 16 end, and allow a full 5–6 hours for the one-way route. An out-and-back would be about 31 km (19.3 miles) and substantially longer than the usual shuttle itinerary.