Coulson’s Hill – MTB Trail

Length – 13 km
35% MTB singletrack
40% hiking trail
25% doubletrack access roads

Elevation – One main large hill that slopes down to a creek valley on the north end, then goes back up slightly

Terrain – Smooth, firm soil; pine needles and leaves; log hops, bridges and structures; can be muddy; not good after a rain

Skill – All levels, best for Intermediate and Beginners to learn

Maps – None, a few trail markers

Facilities – Parking lot

Highlights – Twisty, with many log hops; gets better at the back relatively close to Toronto

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – None

Website – Simcoe County

Similar Trails – Dufferin Forest, Palgrave, Centennial Park

Local Clubs – York Mountain Bike Assoc.

Access – (Unfortunately Coulson is right beside a bridge over the highway that does not have exit ramps…so do this.)

From Hwy 400 northbound, exit on Hwy 88 and head east towards Bradford, then go north on 10th Sideroad, then west on 11th Line (Concession Rd. 11). There is a parking lot on the north side before the highway bridge.

The parklot has recently been shifted east. Any of the trails in from the car lot will make a good starting place for beginners.

Hunting is allowed when in season, so wear bright colours, makes some noise.

Coulson’s Hill (Hodgson Tract) is a small but worthy woodlot to explore due north of Bradford. Well centred above Toronto and near Hwy 400, it has long provided me—and many other MTB riders—with a convenient spot to let loose for a few hours.

This small forest tract packs in a lot. From the parking area, the hill slopes down gradually to a small creek. Here you will find a few bridge crossings and a bank sloping up slightly on the other side with a few more minor loops.

Suitable for any age or level of MTB riding, Coulson is made up of a patchwork of trails running every which way. Too small an area to get lost in, it has few directional signs, but there’s no need of them: to get back to the car, simply head up the hill with the hum of the hwy on your right.

Now, posted trail names would help to sort out the excessive shortcuts and fragmented paths that can interrupt your pace. Stopping with your group to decide where to turn next gets tiring.

Or you can just go with the flow, knowing you will likely hit the same loops again (“Oh well….”), accidentally giving yourself more mileage here than the estimated 13 km.

Every time I go there, I find new track. It just keeps getting better, even though…

Read more of this review in my MTB guidebook with topo maps and riding tips, available as an eBook or paperback.