Severed D MTB Loop via Old Buck Trail

Severed D MTB Loop via Old Buck Trail in North Vancouver is a short, punchy loop that’s really built for riders, not hikers. At 6.4 km with about 351 m of gain and a high point around 467 m, it feels steeper than the numbers suggest, and most people are done in under an hour. If you’re on foot, think of this more as a fitness grind in the forest than a classic North Shore hiking highlight.

The loop climbs steadily up Old Buck, a well-known access trail on Mount Seymour’s lower slopes. You’re in typical North Vancouver second-growth forest the whole time, with dense trees, roots, and the odd glimpse toward Burrard Inlet, but there are very few real viewpoints. The payoff here is the workout and the feel of the trail network rather than big scenery.

Recent hikers report a tough climb, minimal views, and a constant flow of mountain bikes on the Severed D MTB Loop via Old Buck Trail, so you need to stay alert and be ready to step aside often. The route includes downhill sections that are designed and managed for bikes, and some parts of Severed D are effectively not meant for hiking at all, so check current MTB maps and signage and avoid any bike-only segments. Conditions are usually best from April to October, and if you really want to walk it, a rainy weekday or off-peak time is your safest bet, but for most hikers in North Vancouver there are more enjoyable, less stressful options nearby.