Torrance Barrens – MTB Trail

Length – 10 km

100% hiking trail

Elevation –  Rather level ground with mounds and ponds (puddles).

Terrain – Flat stone, smooth soil, grasses, stairs, boardwalk, large ponds

Skill – Easy to advanced MTB ride

Traffic –  MTB riders, hikers and bugs lol.

Maps – A few signposts, and stone or paint swatches as markers on the trails

Facilities –  parking lot, outhouse

Highlights – open spaces, flat rock riding, solitude, blueberries!

Trail Pass – free

Phone –  705 765 3156

Website – Muskoka Trails

Similar Trails – Bracebridge RMC,  Buckwallow,  Georgian

Local Clubs – Muskoka Off Road Cycling Assoc.- MORCA

Access –  one entry point at parking lot, there is a sign for the Barrens, loops can be taken in either direction

Directions –Take Muskoka Road 169 north from Gravenhurst or south from Bala. Turn south on Southwood Road (Muskoka Road 13) and travel 7 kilometres to the Torrance Barrens sign on the north side. Park on the flat rock.

Torrance Barrens Conservation Reserve is a unique 10 km trail ride with large open flat rock areas along most of the 3 loops.

This very scenic, remote location has few trees, numerous ponds and great vistas.

The ride over tabletop rock mounds is easy for most MTB riders, with the more tricky parts between them.

As you descend between the mounds the trail typically gets vegetated with a few trees (and their roots) and loose rocks.

Then when it gets to the bottom, some crossings have mud and puddles to manage. The level of recent rain will determine how much of this you get. (and the bug population).

There are a few stairs to haul your bike up and boardwalks to cross as this is a somewhat straight hiking trail, not a twisty track cut for MTB bikes.

Regardless, a joy to ride for any level. Beginners will likely need to walk the drops, quick climbs and mud. The rest of us will love it.

This hiking trail has three main loops and may have a few hikers on them. A secluded, quite place so take care to not go out too late or on your own. Help is far away.

You can get totally…

Read more of this review in my MTB guidebook with better topo maps and riding tips, plus 54 others. Available as an eBook or paperback.