With pleasant temperatures, vibrant leaves, and an abundance of trails to explore, fall is the perfect time to take on the mountain bike trails in Kawarthas Northumberland.
With a passionate mountain bike community, including several clubs that help to build and maintain the trails, it’s time to load up your bike and get ready to hoot and holler as you cruise under the autumn leaves at the region’s three main trail networks.
Beagle Club Trails at the Northumberland County Forest
Northumberland County Forest on Trailforks
Northumberland should be at the top of the ride list for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers who want to enjoy a series of well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail loops, spread out under a canopy of colourful hardwoods and majestic pines. Starting from the well-established Beagle Club trailhead, beginners can get their legs moving on the 2.2km long Orange Loop, or the 3.3km long Blue Loop. Both have minimal climbs, and just the right number of twists and berms to keep you eager to see what’s around the next bend. If you are looking for a longer ride with more elevation change, take on the 14km Green A loop, just be sure to pace yourself on the 500-meter-long Hogs Back Climb. This trail network even has a 1km long wheelchair accessible trail. The Heritage Trail, as it is called, starts and ends at the main parking lot. This flat trail with a wide and solid gravel base is ideal for wheelchair users as well as young cyclists on small-wheeled bikes.
Millbrook MTB Trails
Millbrook MTB Trails on Trailforks
This relatively new trail network on the edge of the quaint town of Millbrook features purpose-built mountain bike trails with moderate elevation change, creating some longer climbs and plenty of fun and flowy descents. Best suited for intermediate and advanced riders, the trails are well signed, and best accessed from the MNR Fishing and Recreation Area trailhead on Zion Line Rd. Not to be missed are the networks three main descents: High Plains Drifter, Trench Town, and Backstage Pass. More adventurous riders can make their way to the Ganny Transit trail, a popular out and back ride that will have you gradually climbing up to the edge of the Ganaraska Forest, before trending downhill on your way back. Time your visit just right, and the Millbrook MTB trails will reward you with an epic day of riding, set out under spectacular fall colours.
Harold Town Conservation Area
2611 Old Norwood Rd, Peterborough
Harold Town C.A. on Trailforks
Named after the Canadian artist that once owned the property, Harold Town C.A. is the hub of the Peterborough mountain bike community, with a style of rocky and rooty trails not found elsewhere in Ontario. If you are an intermediate or advanced rider and want to test your skills on some of Ontario’s more technical terrain, point your tires here this fall. This compact network has around 12km of trail spread out over the main drumlin (hill), with trails that creatively use the property’s features to make for some truly impressive riding. From the parking lot on Old Norwood Road, warm up on the Breakwall trail, before climbing Meadow up to the top of the property. From here you can branch off in any number of directions. For fast and flowy descents try Hot Breakfast and Screaming Trees. For technical rock gardens and steep roll downs take Laundry Chute to Pot Shot. And for the best fall colours, don’t miss the swoopy corners on Funyon.
It might take you a little while to get your bearing on this spiderweb of singletrack, but spend a little time at Harold Town and you will soon see why the locals love it here.
With winter on it’s way, make the most of your autumn by exploring the many trails in Kawarthas Northumberland. You might just find your new favourite singletrack.
Local Bike Shops:
Wild Rock Outfitters, Peterborough (has rental bikes)
Century Cycle, Colborne
Fontaines Source for Sports, Peterborough
Post Ride Eats & Drinks:
Black Cat, Cobourg
The Peddler, Millbrook
Ashburnham Ale House, Peterborough
