Durham Forest – MTB / Park Trail

Length – 35 km

40% MTB single track
25% hiking trail
35% double track access roads

Elevation – large hills and valleys (by Ont. standards) on the north and south end, more level in the middle

Terrain –  smooth soil, a few rocks and roots, sandy on north end, some gravel, drains well after a rain

Skill – all levels, best for intermediate MTB, and intermediate Park style ride

Facilities – parking lot (can get busy), outhouse, no food or water close by

Highlights –  lots of variety for all level, fast gnarly hilly track, new ramps built

Maps – at trailhead and a few in the interior, post markers on access roads junctions

Trail Pass – free

Phone – 905-895-1281

Website – Lake Simcoe Region

Similar Trails – Glen Major,  Dagmar, Albion Hills,

Local Clubs – DMBA (Durham Regional Mountain Biking Association) does a great job maintaining and developing trails, plus scheduling rides.

Access – Driving up Brock Rd. from the 401, go east on  hwy 21 to Concession 7 is the  paved route.

Park on the side of the access road in. At the large map and gate, most riders head south or east to start a ride.

As MTB riders you may want to do the alternate rough gravel route which is coming up Con. 7 from hwy 5. This passes the Glen Major and Dagmar trailheads too. 

One of the best rides on the east side of Toronto, hilly at times, with trails for all levels, most on the south end.

Sand on the north end. Large enough to keep you busy all day. With mixed forest and pines this fat-tire playground is sure to please.

This large, popular forest area has easy wide access roads for the family to ride, to hard uphill cranks and twisty fun descents.

The north side has a new trail to encourage riders, as a lot of spots have sand to contend with.

Most of the challenging track is on the south end where the biggest hills are. If you get to a ski chair lift you definitely have gone too far south.

Not everything flows together well, and you might repeat yourself or get a bit lost. No worries, within minutes that will get sorted out.

Watch for hikers and dogs. Wonderful raspberries in August near the Bell tower where there has been logging.

Plus more riding across the street, south in Glen Major and Dagmar can keep you crank’n for the whole weekend.

A very active MTB club maintains and updates trails in this area. New ramps and track were cut last year.

Excellent place for Fatbikes in the winter with 15 km of groomed track, and even more if the snow base is solid.

Drains well, but please avoid it when muddy or slushy to lessen erosion!

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