Christie Lake – MTB Trail

Length –  16 km

60% MTB single track
20% hiking trail
20% double track access roads

Terrain – smooth soil, small mellow hills, a few roots

Skill – easy beginner territory

Trail Pass – car + driver $10, passengers $5 each, a little pricy for what there is

Facilities –  parking lot, washrooms, swimming,

Trail Maps – at trailhead only – marked posts

Hours – sunrise to sunset

Phone – 905-628-3060

Website – Christie Lake Conservation Area

Similar Trails – Centennial Park

Local Clubs – Hamilton Cycling Club ,  FB Christie Trail Building

Trailhead –  from the SW parking lot head south across the water bridge to the map board

Christie Lake Conservation Area, just north of Hamilton, is ideal for the beginner mountain biker. The trails here are easy, well-designed and safe to ride.

You will find a very flowy set of loops on smooth soil, with little elevation or rocks. The local active trail building community has made great efforts to create a twisty, gnarly trail through the pines with a few nice berms to bank on. There are a few rooty sections and easy log rollovers too.

Out on the backend, the popular Runaway trail is a small loop with a few tricky dips and mounds to play on. As well, last year when I was there, a new loop was under construction that may improve the riding.

I am guessing there is about 11 km of trail here, with 8 kms MTB cut, plus some straight double track hiking paths… And if you also ride around the lake (reservoir) add another 5 km to that total.

With that said, you might have already interpreted that yes this place does not challenge or put the fear in any seasoned mountain biker looking for excitement.

But it does serve as a good place for…

Read more in my new review of the Christie trails and 54 other MTB locations in my trail guide available as an eBook or paperback.