Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking in Halton Parks

From mild to wild, mountain biking is a completly different way to experience Halton Parks. Biking is available at three very distinct parks, and we think there’s something here for everyone. There’s more than 60 km of trails ranging from easy recreational rides to technically challenging: there are riding adventures for all levels of ability.

Where else in Ontario can you bike along the Niagara Escarpment through extensive forests, alongside 10-metre waterfalls and right up to a reservoir? Halton Parks, that’s where. Best of all, we’re perfect for a half-day, day or even few hours because we’re a lot closer than you think.

New to mountain biking? We have options for you!

Book a Lesson

Kelso is excited to introduce its new Mountain Bike School. The trails are calling your name. There’s no better time to learn than now. Kelso’s team of MTB Instructors are here to introduce you to the trails, develop your skills, boost your confidence, guide you on epic rides, and help you become the rider you want to be!

Book your lessons here.

Where can I mountain bike?

Hilton Falls

18 km of trails - map

Grab your bike and helmet, then get your heart pumping and adrenalin rushing by mountain biking at Hilton Falls.

Hilton Falls has 18 km of bike trails waiting to be challenged! Tight turns, tough rock sections, and steep downhills are sure to provide an exciting day out.

Trail surfaces range from rock, rock, and more rock… to dirt and many bridges. The Bent Rim Trail is a technical cycling trail perfect for advanced riders. The Wandering Lynx Back Country Trail is made up a series of loops to keep you going.

Number of biking trails: 3

Season: Season runs from Spring to Fall
Features: rock and dirt surfaces, bridges

Trail	Distance	Difficulty
Bent Rim Trail (green)	5 km	Advanced
Single Track Trail (blue)	7 km	Intermediate
Wandering Lynx Back Country Trail (brown, watch for two-way traffic)	6.5 km

Kelso

22 km of trails - map

Kelso is one of Southern Ontario’s premier mountain biking destinations. Host of Ontario Cup cross-country and downhill events, and the always popular Kelso Weekly MTB Race Series. The park has trails to suit all abilities and fitness levels. Beginners should check out the Kelso Mountain Bike Skills Zone.

Start at the Summit parking lot and stay on top of the escarpment to enjoy wide open double track, fast flowing singletrack and the incredible views on offer, and then plunge down on one of the thrilling downhills so you challenge yourself with one of the many climbs back to the top.

Whether you are after a mellow spin with friends or an intense training ride, Kelso is the perfect place for your two wheeled adventure.

Season: Season typically runs from mid-April to mid-November
Features: primary access via Summit entrance with secondary access via Main entrance, clay based soil surfaces

Click here for trail status at Kelso.

Do you have a group you wish to book Mountain biking for? Click here to book online.

Mountsberg

16 km of trails - map

If you’re new to the sport, or are looking for easy terrain through varied landscapes then Mountsberg’s bike trails are for you!

Suitable for children, the wide gravel pathway of the Sugar Bush Trail takes you through the Mountsberg sugar maple stand to an observation tower overlooking the Mountsberg reservoir.

Number of biking trails: 3
Season: Season runs from Spring to Fall
Features: gravel pathways, easy terrain

Trail	Distance	Difficulty
Sugar Bush Trail	1.5 km	Recreational
Lakeshore Lookout Trail	5.6 km	Recreational
Pioneer Creek Trail	6.5 km	Recreational

Mountain Biking Etiquette & Safety

Ride Open Trails Only: Respect trail closures. Whether for conditions, maintenance or special events some or all of the trails are occasionally closed. Please respect this.
Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options; Hilton Falls is often a more appropriate choice when the trails are wet due to their rockier soil and better drainage. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. The trails are designed with a specific flow in mind and we urge you to NOT MODIFY the trail; if you are uncomfortable riding a certain section of trail then get off and walk so as not to create new routes around obstacles.
Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield hikers and trail runners, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.
Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Links

Kelso Weekly MTB Race Series