nature · Lolegaon, Kalimpong
Canopy walk in Lolegaon's heritage forest
The heritage forest at Lolegaon is a protected stand of tall, old trees, mostly cypress and pine, on the slope below the village. The canopy walk is a series of suspended footbridges strung between platforms, about 180 m in total, which lets you walk among the trunks well above the forest floor. The bridges sway a little, which children enjoy and nervous adults should know about.
Go early. From about 8 am the forest is still, light comes through in shafts, and birds move through the canopy. By late morning on weekends, groups of day-trippers arrive and it gets noisy. The walk itself takes 20–30 minutes; the forest paths around it add another half hour or so.
The forest department collects a small entry fee at the gate. The walk closes in heavy rain and for maintenance, and parts are sometimes shut for repairs, so check at the gate. Wear shoes with grip, keep to one or two people per bridge section as signposted, and do not lean over the side. It is not suitable for people with a strong fear of heights.
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Questions people ask
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Is the Lolegaon canopy walk open now
It is usually open in daylight hours from autumn to spring, but sections close after storms, in heavy rain and for repairs, sometimes for weeks. Ask your homestay or the WBFDC lodge the evening before, or check at the forest gate. Check current status before you travel if the canopy walk is the main reason for your trip.
Is the Lolegaon canopy walk safe for children
Generally yes for children who can walk steadily and hold the rope rails. The bridges sway and are a few metres above the ground, so keep small children close and limit numbers on each section as signposted. Do not run or jump on the bridges. Children with a fear of heights may prefer the forest paths below.
How long is the canopy walk at Lolegaon
The suspended bridges add up to about 180 m, which takes 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace. With the forest paths and photographs, allow about an hour to an hour and a half. It is a short, gentle outing rather than a trek, and fits easily into a morning before you drive on to Lava or Rishyap.
