Albion Hills – MTB / Park Trail

Length – 50 km

40% MTB single track
30% hiking trail
30% double track access roads

Elevation – Rolling medium hills with open grass fields, some steep climbs, nice switchbacks; gnarly bits abound

Terrain – A few sandy spots and rocks with assorted wooden bridges, ramps; the smooth soil can be very muddy and greasy

Skill – All levels; best for Intermediate MTB riders

Maps –  Paper map at gatehouse; numbered signposts

Facilities – Parking, bike wash, washrooms, showers, snacks, pool, camping, and limited Fatbikes for rent

Highlights – Well maintained, Black race trail, lots of variety, chalet, plenty of camping

Trail Pass – $6.50

Hours – 9 am – 4 pm, weekends to 5 pm

Phone – 905 880 0227

Website – Albion Hill Conservation Area

Similar Trails – Durham Forest, Palgrave, Hardwood

Local Clubs – HAFTA , Caledon Cycling Club,

Access – Enter the main gate at 16500 on Hwy 50, north of Bolton. Drive 10 minutes to the parking lot by the chalet; main trail starts south, up around the bend, and then splits

Albion Hills Conservation Area is a top MTB destination on the northwest side of Toronto, popular due to its proximity to the big city and all-round variety of track and amenities. A combined 50 km of single- and doubletrack runs are sure to satisfy everyone.

It offers a well-cut variety of trails through a forested area of wide x-country ski paths with lots of additional twisty MTB singletrack loops.

The terrain has a little of everything and, as the name implies, it has hills!

Most of this course flows well, with bridges, steep climbs, twisty track, open fields, and a scenic cliff view onto the old pond which is now drained.

The switchbacks are a blast to ride and the log rollovers, rock drops, and rock gardens  (with optional easy bypasses) spice it up to make it never boring.

Various loops lengths, shortcuts and skill levels give you options to end your visit when you run out of gas. I found difficulty ratings are a little exaggerated.

Not the best place to learn mountain biking (too gnarly, steep climbs). By staying mainly on the easier-access road paths (Nordic loops), you can train those legs on the smaller climbs. This route makes for a more leisurely Park riding experience for those with a family on hybrid bikes.

Most of the riding is in the shade of the woods with one length across a field on the other side of the Humber Creek. In the spring it can have biting bugs around the wetlands, so keep moving.

Recently a few route changes have made it even better.  I always enjoy doing The Goat Path and Pinecone Express.

One can work up a good sweat doing the …

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