Trails
Rules
Bikes are to give way to pedestrians and horses, please slow down and safely pull off the trail to allow pedestrians or horses to pass.
Please stay on the tread of the trail. Widening the trail to avoid an obstacle creates further damage to a trail and is against the wishes of the land managers. If the obstacle is difficult to safely ride then carefully walk your bike over the obstacle. It will save the trail as well as help show you the rideable line over the obstacle.
Please do not modify any trail. This includes; making shortcuts around a corner, moving logs/stones or other obstacles to make a trail easier or harder. The trails are approved by the land managers as they are built, altering them is not approved.
Bikes climbing a hill have the right of way, please slow and move over so those climbing can pass.
If you happen to see a hazardous branch/tree that is clearly unsafe to you or other users if possible remove it, or send a message to the DMBA noting location and it will be taken care of safely and properly. Breaking hanging branches is often unhealthy for the tree and can often leave sharp pointy ends which may be harder to see than a bunch of leaves.
Helmets are mandatory, if you forgot it at home, keep the bike on the vehicle and go for a nice hike.
Etiquette
Etiquette sometimes known as common sense is not always that common.
Treat all users, trails and the land with equal respect; this also means no skidding around corners, this is a perfect way to erode the trails faster.
Be courteous to others; fellow bikers, hikers, trail runners, birders, and horse riders, a pleasant nod while enjoying the forest brightens everyones day and goes a long way towards good relations.
When approaching people/horses from behind always announce your presence, a ‘Hello, or how’s it going, can I get by?” Will let your presence known, if not ring your bell (not theirs!). I often find backpedalling can be enough but if they can’t hear you speak or ring the bell, spooking them burns more bridges than it creates. Their stroll through the woods is equally as important and rewarding as your ride is, so thank them for allowing you to pass, saying “have a nice hike/run”, etc… goes a long way as well.
If you happen to come upon a horse and rider, greet the rider and horse in calming tones. An upset 1500lb animal on a confined trail can be hazardous.
Please pick up any wrappers/water bottles on the trail if possible, help keep the forest clean.
Headphones and ear buds – if using please keep the volume low enough so you can hear other users, or use 1 side only.
Bluetooth speakers in your backpack or attached to your handlebars playing your latest and greatest is not cool. Forest users appreciate the sounds of the wind through the trees, the birds and bees, not the top 40, Country or latest rap track. If you must listen to music, headphone or earbud please.
Do not stop in the middle of the trail, everyone is guilty and no one intends to do it, but it happens and then inconveniences others.
When coming up to another trail user announce if you are solo (just one) or in a group and the number still to come, 4 more, etc… so that user knows what to expect.
Durham & York Region Trail Locations
Dagmar North Trails
Trail Details
There are 2 entrances, 733 Chalk Lake Rd. on the south side of the road. And the east side of the 7th Concession at 1720 7th Concession. These are the ONLY access points for Mountain Bikes!
The trails vary in skill level, from green to blue to Black Diamond to DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND. The ratings are relative to trails in the area. Ride with caution. There are logovers, rock gardens, a fall line trail, more rocks, hair pin turns, rollers and berms. If we could build it, we did.
Location
Parking
3 Rocks or the Towers Parking lots on the 7 Concession Uxbridge Twp.
Please park only in public parking lots. The official parking for Dagmar trails are the TRCA lots at Glen Major (3 Rocks) & Walker Woods (The Towers). These lots are all just a short warm-up ride to the trails. Please ride with caution on the roads to the entrances into Dagmar North Trails. DO NOT park at Dagmar Ski Resort (private property), on Chalk Lake Rd., 7th Concession or Lake Ridge Rd. for safety and neighborly considerations.
Durham Forest
Trail Details
A great selection of fast, flowy and technical single and double track trails. Its a bit of a maze with little signage, so best to have a guide or join a group ride if you want to find the best trails first time. But it a small well traveled area bounded by roads on 3 sides, so don’t be afraid to explore on your own. Someone will be able to point you back to the lot.
Driving: Go north on Brock Road to Durham Road 21 (aka Goodwood Rd) at Coppin’s Corners. Head east on Durham Road 21 for 5 km to Concession 7. Go south for 1 km; the trailhead parking is on the (east).
Alternatively Go North on LakeRidge road to Durham Road 21 (aka Goodwood Rd). Go west 2 km, turn south onto Concession 7. Go south for 1 km; the trailhead parking is on the left (east).
Location
Uxbridge Toronto ON, Canada
Parking
3789 Concession Rd. 7, Uxbridge. 1km S of Goodwood Rd. west of Lake Ridge
Difficulty
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length
20Km single track – 20Km double track
East Duffins Headwaters/Glen Major “3 Rocks” – Uxbridge ON
Trail Details
Trails are well maintained and marked with tracery maps on posts at key intersections. The best single track runs N/S in the eastern portion of EDH, connecting the “Towers” lot in the n/e corner with “3 Rocks or Glen Major” lot in the s/e corner. This area provides 80km of great riding with lots of climbing available. You’ll ride along a variety of trails, through meadows and mixed forests over varied topography. Please note that only day use is allowed in this area – no night riding.
TRCA owns this 1548 hectare environmentally significant forest located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, in the Duffins Creek Watershed. This mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, provides many important environmental functions including: providing habitat and food supply for a variety of birds and wildlife, improving air quality by producing oxygen, cleaning the water entering Duffins Creek and replenishing ground water storage, limiting potential floods, and protecting fragile slopes and stream banks from eroding.
Location
Parking
Uxbridge 7th Concession. Parking lot 2.5 km north of Claremont/Myrtle Rd. (Pickering Conn. 9) or 6km south of Goodwood Rd.
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length
20Km single track & 60Km double track with good climbs available.
East Duffins Headwaters “Walker Woods”
Trail Details
Trails are well maintained and marked with tracery maps on posts at key intersections. The best single track runs N/S in the eastern portion of EDH, connecting the “Towers” lot in the n/e corner with “3 Rocks or Glen Major” lot in the s/e corner. This area provides 80km of great riding with lots of climbing available. You’ll ride along a variety of trails, through meadows and mixed forests over varied topography. Please note that only day use is allowed in this area – no night riding.
TRCA owns this 1548 hectare environmentally significant forest located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, in the Duffins Creek Watershed. This mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, provides many important environmental functions including: providing habitat and food supply for a variety of birds and wildlife, improving air quality by producing oxygen, cleaning the water entering Duffins Creek and replenishing ground water storage, limiting potential floods and protecting fragile slopes and stream banks from eroding.
Location
Parking
Uxbridge 7th Concession. Parking lot 2 km south of Goodwood Rd or 6.3km north of Claremont/Myrtle Rd. (Pickering Conn. 9)
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length
20Km single track & 60Km double track with good climbs available.
East Duffins Headwaters “The Crater”
Trail Details
Trails are well maintained and marked with tracery maps on posts at key intersections. The best single track runs N/S in the eastern portion of EDH, connecting the “Towers” lot in the n/e corner with “3 Rocks or Glen Major” lot in the s/e corner. This area provides 80km of great riding with lots of climbing available. You’ll ride along a variety of trails, through meadows and mixed forests over varied topography. Please note that only day use is allowed in this area – no night riding.
TRCA owns this 1548 hectare environmentally significant forest located on the Oak Ridges Moraine, in the Duffins Creek Watershed. This mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, provides many important environmental functions including: providing habitat and food supply for a variety of birds and wildlife, improving air quality by producing oxygen, cleaning the water entering Duffins Creek and replenishing ground water storage, limiting potential floods and protecting fragile slopes and stream banks from eroding.
Location
Parking
1405 6th Concession, Uxbridge. GPS coord: 0652153/4874291. Large parking lot 2.5 km north of Claremont/Myrtle Rd. (Pickering Conn. 9) or 6km south of Goodwood Rd. (RR#21)
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length
20Km single track & 60Km double track with good climbs available.
Centennial Park
Trail Details
A nice flowy 6km’s of single track built by Sustainable Trails.
Location
King City ON, Canada
Parking
5Km North of King Rd on Jane St. Park in the lot on the East side of the road.
Greenwood (Rodar)
Trail Details
A quality loop of about 12km starting out from the parking lot, going through some nice old forest and ravine settings. There is a lot double track on the property as well. Until you get to know the property it is easy to miss the entry to the singletrack. Most of the singletrack is intermediate, but some is above. You’ll want to have mid-season fitness at least to enjoy this trail system and there is a fair amount of short steep climbing.
Location
Ajax ON, Canada
Parking
Park in the small lot North of 5th Concession, just West of the little bridge.
Heber Down Conservation Area
Trail Details
Heber Down CA is great for an easy to moderate paced ride over mostly flat terrain. Perfect for kids and new riders. Follow three marked trail loops within Heber Down CA for about 8km.
You can easily max your heart rate by doing intervals on any of the five hills that climb out of Devil’s Den.
Extend your ride by heading southeast where there is a trail connection to the north end of Cullen Central Park, which has about 3 km of trails.
Head to the north-east corner of Heber Down CA any weekend to see the Whitby Aeromodellers flying radio-controlled model aircraft.
A bell is strongly recommended. You WILL encounter walkers, runners, dogs-off-leash, and the occasional stroller.
Location
Whitby ON, Canada
Parking
Pay and display parking, $5/ vehicle/day or $2/ hour. Alternatively, you can park at Culllen Central park for free, and ride North to get into Heber Down CA.
Joyride 150 Indoor Bike Park
Trail Details
Park features include beginner and expert skinnies, race track, pump track, vert park, xc loop, jump lines, foam pit, lounge & party room and more! JR150 teams have been out to a few XC races already and outdoor weekly XC rides will soon be regular features of the club. Keep an eye out for our new purple cycling jerseys out on the trails! Come to develop your skills or just enjoy a different, fun riding experience with you friends and family. DMBA Member Benefits: 10% off regular priced items, regular day passes and spin classes.
Location
Markham ON, Canada
Parking
150 Bullock Drive, Markham
Ravenshoe Forest – Brown Hill Tract – East Gwillimbury, ON
Trail Details
Ravenshoe Forest (or Brown Hill Tract) is made up of approximately 15 km of fast and flowy single track. The trails consist of a nice mixture of roots, logs, boardwalks, and skinnies. Some trails are technical and the mosquitoes love to follow you through these sections! Trails are well marked and all the boardwalks and skinnies have been rebuilt by YMBA volunteers and York Region Forestry staff.
Location
East Gwillimbury, ON, Canada
Parking
There are two main parking areas. The first is located on Ravenshoe Rd. (approximately 600m west of the intersection of Ravenshoe Rd. and McCowan Rd.). The second is located on McCowan Rd. (approximately 400m south of the intersection of Ravenshoe Rd. and McCowan Rd.).
Jefferson Forest
Trail Details
Jefferson Forest has approximately 24 km of single track. Trails are not well signed so it is easy to get turned around but too small to get really lost as the area is mostly surrounded by residential development. Trails consist of sand, clay, roots, logs, and a few steep sections. Trails are best known for a number of very technical climbs and descents.
Location
Richmond Hill ON, Canada
Parking
North Entrance – Parking lot located on Bethesda Side Rd. approximately 300m east of the corner of Bayview Ave. and Bethesda Side Road Rd.
Everywhere Else
3 – Stage
Trail Details
3-Stage is one of the toughest XC biking trails in the area. It has lots of tight, roller-coaster, rocky and rooty singletrack; yet has wide, muddy doubletrack. For the most part you’ll never will be traveling on a flat surface while you are in the trail system. You are always either climbing or descending a hill. From Collingwood go west to the end of Sixth St. Turn left (south) on the townline and then turn right (west) on Grey County Road 19. About 3/4’s of the way up the hill on your left side is a gravel road. Take it and follow it all the way to the top. There you will find a parking are and entrances to the trails.
Location
Collingwood ON, Canada
Parking
No parking available.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Trail Length
60Km+
Trail Map
3 – Stage
Trail Details
3-Stage is one of the toughest XC biking trails in the area. It has lots of tight, roller-coaster, rocky and rooty singletrack; yet has wide, muddy doubletrack. For the most part you’ll never will be traveling on a flat surface while you are in the trail system. You are always either climbing or descending a hill. From Collingwood go west to the end of Sixth St. Turn left (south) on the townline and then turn right (west) on Grey County Road 19. About 3/4’s of the way up the hill on your left side is a gravel road. Take it and follow it all the way to the top. There you will find a parking are and entrances to the trails.
Location
Collingwood ON, Canada
Parking
No parking available.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Trail Length
60Km+
Trail Map
Albion Hills Conservation Area
Trail Details
“Features some of the most spectacular mountain biking trails in southern Ontario. Explore the beauty of our trails designed for riders of all ages and skill level.” -TRCA Site
Over 40 kilometers of double-track and technical single-track trail. Fast, rolling terrain and long down-hills Situated on 486 hectares (1,200 acres) of beautiful forest in the hills of Caledon. Bike wash station available as well as shower and washroom facilities. Full-service campground and parking.
Location
16500 Hwy. 50 Palgrave ON, Canada
Parking
North of Bolton on the left. Admission price is $6.50 per person.
Don valley
Trail Details
A network of trails varying from beginner to expert. On the whole the trails require advanced skill and are very challenging to your fitness. The main trailhead is the Loblaws at 55 Redway Rd, Toronto. From there you head North and at E.T. Seaton park the trail system branches in a number of directions. But, you’ll want to go with someone who knows how to find these additional trails as they are not yet marked on the City of Toronto maps.
Location
Toronto ON, Canada
Parking
Trailhead is at the back of the 55 Redway Rd, Loblaws parking lot.
Difficulty
Advanced
Trail Length
Varies
Trail Map
Ellicottville Holiday Valley
Trail Details
This is an IMBA certified Epic Trail in New York. Located an hour south of Buffalo, Ellicottville is home to some of the finest mountain bike trails on the east coast. Built by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers, and easily accessed from town. The climbs are long, steep and plenty. The descents are rocky, rooty and fun.
This is singletrack designed by bikers for bikers (although it is great for hiking, too). For example, some of these trails are used for the annual 6 Hours of Power and the Roots Rocks and Ridges MTB races. It is also designed to be sustainable without lots of maintenance: it has built in dry areas and plenty of effective drainage designed in.
These new trails are often the driest around for riding when it is wet elsewhere. The trail systems can be broken down into the East McCarty Hill area (Big Merlin), the Mutton Hollow area (Porcupine Trail, Mutton Hollow Trail, Yukon’s Lunch), and the newest sections which provide greater connections to Rock City State Forest (Pale Ale Trail, Rim Trail). These trail systems are great and have more than one access point to allow for varied loops.
While these systems can be readily accessed from Holiday Valley via the singletrack behind the top of Eagle Chair lift on the race loop, there’s more riding further toward the south extending to and past Little Rock City. The FLT (which is open to bikes in this forest, but is always under threat of closure) and the new Pale Ale Trail takes you there and back, and loops can be made with some of the dirt roads. Suffice it to say there is way more riding than you can do in a day or two.
While these systems can be readily accessed from Holiday Valley via the singletrack behind the top of Eagle Chair lift on the race loop, there’s more riding further toward the south extending to and past Little Rock City. The FLT (which is open to bikes in this forest, but is always under threat of closure) and the new Pale Ale Trail takes you there and back, and loops can be made with some of the dirt roads. Suffice it to say there is way more riding than you can do in a day or two.
Location
Ellicottville NY, United States
Parking
QEW to Buffalo Take the ramp on the left onto I-190 S Take exit 54-61 to merge onto I-90 W toward Erie Keep right to continue on US-219 S, follow signs for Orchard Park/Springville Follow US-219S to Ellicottville.
Difficulty
Advanced/Expert
Trail Length
31+ Miles
Trail Map
Ganaraska Forest Central
Trail Details
With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Ganaraska Forest provides year-round opportunities for a variety of activities. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature appreciation are popular activities throughout the Forest. Motorized activities such as off-road motorcycle riding, ATVing and snowmobiling are permitted in the West Forest and East Forest only. The Central section of the Forest is maintained as a passive use area, and is the best area for mountain biking.
There are 100+km of single track with 15, 30 and 60km loops of single and double track marked with arrows on black & pink discs mounted on trees. The three loops begin together at the north end of the open area of the Ganaraska Forest Centre. Follow the arrows carefully and watch for the 15k and 30k turn offs, if you don’t want the full 60k ride. The 60km loop links together most of the single track in the Central Forest and avoids the ATV trails. The three loops converge and finish together back at the Ganraska Forest Centre. The 60km loop has been designated as an IMBA Epic Ride!.
It is on the Oak Ridge Moraine so some sections are a little sandy when its been dry, but most trails are firm and fast with some good tenchnical sections. From June through Sept pioson ivy thrives so long socks are a wise precaution. There are full showers and a bike wash for post-ride clean up.
Location
Kendal ON, Canada
Parking
Approximately 40 minutes N/E of Oshawa. Take 35/115 to exit for Conn 6/Reg Rd 9 aka Ganaraska Rd. Drive east 10km to Cold Springs Camp Road. Go north 4km to entrance to parking on right. Daily use & parking $10.
Difficulty
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length
100+Km of single & double track with 15Km, 30Km and 60Km loops marked.
Ganaraska West Forest
Trail Details
With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Ganaraska Forest provides year-round opportunities for a variety of activities. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature appreciation are popular activities throughout the Forest. Motorized activities such as off-road motorcycle riding, ATVing and snowmobiling are permitted in the West Forest and East Forest only. The Central section of the Forest is maintained as a passive use area, and is the best area for mountain biking.
There are 100+km of single track with 15, 30 and 60km loops of single and double track marked with arrows on black & pink discs mounted on trees. The three loops begin together at the north end of the open area of the Ganaraska Forest Centre. Follow the arrows carefully and watch for the 15k and 30k turn offs, if you don’t want the full 60k ride. The 60km loop links together most of the single track in the Central Forest and avoids the ATV trails. The three loops converge and finish together back at the Ganraska Forest Centre. The 60km loop has been designated as an IMBA Epic Ride!.
It is on the Oak Ridge Moraine so some sections are a little sandy when its been dry, but most trails are firm and fast with some good tenchnical sections. From June through Sept pioson ivy thrives so long socks are a wise precaution. There are full showers and a bike wash for post-ride clean up.
Location
Kendal ON, Canada
Parking
Hwy. 35/115 north to Kirby, go east on Ganaraska Road (County Road 9) for 10km then go north for 4km on Cold Springs Camp Road to The Ganaraska Forest Centre.
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length
100Km+
Trail Map
Georgina ROC Bike Park and North Shore Trails
Trail Details
Sorry, there are no details available for this track at the moment. Please visit www.georginaroc.ca for more info.
Location
Georgina ON, Canada
Parking
Bike Park and North Shore Trail Head Parking at Ski Chalet.
Difficulty
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced/Expert
Trail Length
100Km+
Trail Map
Golden Hill State Forest
Trail Details
Well thought out and designed, fast, tight, twisty single track. The trails are well maintained and marked with either red or blue trail markers. The red trail seemed to be the easier loop and the blue was definitely more advanced. If you go on www.wnymba.org website, they describe the trail system as less technical and less climbing then Mccarty Hill near Holliday Valley, but warn about the newer loop, which must be the blue loop.
Location
Ellicottville NY, United States
Parking
Take the US-219 south of Ellicotville and turn left (east) onto Hwy 98. Watch for Golden Hill Rd on your right and follow it to the parking area near the top of the hill.
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced/Expert
Trail Length
8 Miles
Trail Map
Hardwood Hills Ski and Bike
Trail Details
Open 7 days a week from May to October. Open weekends until 6 pm, Wednesday until 9 in the summer and until 5 pm all other days. 50 km of single track and 34 km of double track trails designed for riders of all ages and abilities. Mountain biking, road biking, hiking, trail running, beach volleyball, orienteering, café, disc golf, retail, rentals, programs, lessons, summer camp.
Your Hardwood Ski and Bike facility pass includes parking, use of indoor facilities, eating areas and the Cafe, washrooms, outdoor bike and body wash stations, access to beach volleyball, disc golf, nordic walking and trail running. Hardwood Ski and Bike also has a repair shop for your bike and first aid for you should there be a problem.
Fees: Adult $12.75 – 13-19yrs $11.00 – 6-12yrs $8.50 – 5yrs & Younger Free
Location
402 W Old Barrie Road Oro Station ON, Canada
Parking
Hwy 400 north, exit #111 (Forbes Road).
Difficulty
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced/Expert/Race
Trail Length
50Km of single track and 34Km of double track
Trail Map
Harold Town Conservation Area
Trail Details
The property is made up of 4 or 5 looping, twisty, narrow, technical singletrack sections linked up by open flat meadows. Some fun man made ramps and rock gardens. Great views from the top of the hill. This area has some low lying wet areas and lots of cedars so bug spray isn’t a bad idea.
For driving direction use this address: 2611 Old Norwood Rd, Peterborough, ON
Location
Peterborough ON, Canada
Parking
The only parking lot is off of Old Norwood Rd.
Hilton Falls & Agreement Forest
Trail Details
Rugged rocky trails intermediate skill and above. Bring shin pads if you have them.
Location
Campbellville ON, Canada
Parking
Parks fees $6.50/adult.
Difficulty
Intermediate/Advanced
Trail Length
33km in Hilton Fall + more in the Agreement Forest
Trail Map
Hydrocut
Trail Details
The hydro cut is a main trail following the power lines, with numerous single tracks leading off of it. Many of the single tracks are extremely well developed and flow really well. Goes all the way past St. Agatha, but best riding is until St Agatha. Follow the Hydro Lines and branch off, all single track, and eventually loop back to hydro lines. Some north shore style trails are hidden away in here. Look for them on the north side of the cut. The best riding in the waterloo area I’ve found. The bike traffic has diminished since the obstacle tear-down, but some new single-track trails are being developed. Look for signs for “Frankenstein”; great tight switchbacks and tight technical short downhill sections.
Location
Kitchener/Waterloo ON, Canada
Parking
401 W to exit 278 to ON-8 W toward Kitchener/Waterloo, exit onto ON-7 W/ON-8 W Stratford. Exit at Ira Needles Blvd. Continue on Ira Needles Blvd to Highland Rd turn left. The first right is Glasgow St the parking lot is on the left after the train tracks.
Trail Building & Maintenance
With the growing popularity of mountain biking, trail running and hiking, as recreational activities, our trails are seeing more usage than ever before. This usage can loosen soil which becomes washed away during hard rainfalls. Because of this, land managers such as Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and Toronto Region Conservation Authority are looking for solutions to the erosion damage which has been occurring on some trails.
Sustainable Building Techniques
The DMBA has adopted the Sustainable Trail Building Techniques that are being promoted by IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association). These are trail design techniques that allow the designer to engineer a new trail such that erosion will be minimized and maintenance will be minor to keep the trail in good shape and protect the landscape. In order for a trail to be sustainable (erosion resistant and low maintenance), there are 5 rules of design that must be followed. DMBA designed trails take these rules into account when designing and rerouting trails. Because of our ability to design and build these types of trails, land managers such as LSRCA (Durham Forest) have been very cooperative in allowing and assisting us to put new single track on the ground. The days of running trails straight up and down hills are gone. Public land managers will no longer allow erosion prone trails such as these to be built.
Introduction
The Most Important Steps
Trail Design Mistakes
Building Sustainable Trails
Let's Get Dirty: Building Trails
Armoring Trails
Creating Challenge
Maintaining Trails
Become a Builder
Put in some sweat equity. Come out and help repair and build the trails that you ride. Careful though, trail building is addictive, you might get hooked.
Trail building is strenuous work. But don’t let that scare you away, there is always lots of work to be done; even if you can’t handle the heavy work we’ll find something helpful for you to do. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Work boots, work gloves, and rugged clothing are highly recommended.
For more information on how to become a trail builder please email us at Info@durhammountainbiking.ca.
