Trail description
The old classic! A two-way trail open to bikers and walkers. Be aware of oncoming bikers and particularly in summer, there are lots of walkers passing through: Back Track is part of Te Araroa National Walkway.
The trail is a nice uphill climb to the Scotts Road carpark. The surface is rocky and there are four creek crossings on the way up which can make your feet wet if there has been a lot of rain. The first part climbs through a gully of native bush before opening out above farmland that gives a nice view back to where you started, this is a good spot to take a breather on the seat kindly provided by PNCC. The second half of the track sidles around the hill steadily gaining elevation. This part of the track has a fun short downhill section before the last climb to the top. Back Track is only open to bikers and walkers but it is occasionally used by farm and council vehicles.
Built: Back Track is an old paper road that is part of the Te Araroa Walkway which has reverted back to a nice natural climb through native bush.
Getting there
This is the main access trail for Pupu Rahi around 900m from the start.
Getting out
Back track exits to the Scotts Road carpark at the top or black bridge at the bottom.