Dagmar – MTB Trail

Length – 13+ km

90% MTB singletrack
10% doubletrack access roads

Elevation – A few valleys with moderate hills, open field between entrance and main ride

Terrain – Smooth, hard-packed soil base; some sand; gravel and round stones; log jumps, ramps, beams and rock gardens

Skill – All levels, but best for Intermediate riders

Traffic – MTB riders only

Trail Fee – Free

Facilities – No parking lot, no services for miles, pack what you may need

Highlights – Pure MTB riding with little filler; tons of variety; challenges; good times

Maps – Map board at trailhead and at major forks in the woods; decent signage keeps you moving

Phone – 416 661 6600

Website – TRCA

Similar Trails – Glen Major, Durham, Albion Hills, Palgrave

Local Clubs – DMBA – large local MTB club that built this trail system

Access – There is no parking lot by the trailhead. Parking lots are about ten minutes by bike in either direction at:

• 3 Rocks, 1030 Concession Rd 7
• West Gate, 3559 Concession Rd 7

NO NIGHT RIDING

When Dagmar North Trails reopened in 2015, after about 10 years of uncertainty, the MTB community was all excited, and with good reason. These trails on Conservation land are mainly new MTB-specific trails, designed and cut for thrills and spills, and not resembling much of what was there.

Some are easy and winding for beginners, while others have rock gardens, log jumps, ramps and beams to keep the veteran riders entertained.

You’ll never get bored or winded from too many hills; you may perhaps get a bit spun around if you’re new to the area. Trails connect well and once you’re familiar with them, it’s non-stop action.

Even better, rarely do you have to ride doubletrack if you don’t want to. As with any well-designed trail system, here you’ve always got a choice: you can pick the easy or the hard way through.

The DMBA bike club has done an excellent job of creating these singletrack trails. With the hard work of over 200+ MTB volunteers + donations, the Toronto area has a new spot to ride.

Parking is unusual at this location: there isn’t any available at either of the two entrances!  You are asked not to park at the trailhead or on sideroads, SVP. Instead, pick one of the two lots for Glen Major and ride to the entrance (the south lot is closer). Dagmar Parking Map

It’s amazing how so much trail can be compressed in one square kilometre (similar to Ravenshoe) and still leave mountain bikers grinning with delight. Thirteen-odd kilometres of trail might not be much, but it’s all about quality, not quantity, in our mountain bikers’ heads.

Upon entering the trailhead from the road, you will see a map board and a single trail. The fun starts right away, as you…

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