Guelph Lake – MTB / Park Trail

7673 Conservation Rd., Guelph
Posted on August 11, 2019 / 10469
Guelph Lake – MTB / Park Trail
Listing Types : MTB Trail / Park Trail
Location : Western Ontario
Total Trail Km : 20
MTB Track % : 50
Hiking trail % : 50
Rate Skill Levels : Easy, Intermediate
Terrain : smooth soil, can be muddy, gentle hills, open field, tree roots, rocky patches
Faclities : parking, toilet, outhouse, trailhead map, trails maintained
Trail Fee : free

Length – 20 km

50% single-track MTB trail
50% hiking trail

Elevation – Consists of gentle hills, with a high point in the middle that slopes on the sides.

Terrain – Smooth soil, with a few rocks and rock gardens, as well as tree roots.

Skill – Intermediate MTB and Park trails.

Traffic – Bikes, hikers, dog walkers

Trail Maps – Found at the trailhead with a few signs on the trail, but they are not well laid out.

Facilities – A parking lot, with basic services in park’s camping area.

Highlights – Enjoy a fast ride, a rock garden, and lakeside views, including a dam.

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – 519 824 5061

Website – Guelph Lake Conservation Area

Similar Trails – PalgraveFanshawe, Wildwood

Local Clubs – Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Assoc.– (GORBA),  FB page

Access – There are numerous entry points near the conservation area:

  • across from the dam on 7673 Conservation Rd.
  • by the river on 797 Victoria Rd. N.
  • and at the end of Kaine Hill Dr.

 

Groomed Fat Biking in winter



The GORBA trails, near the Guelph Lake Conservation Area,  has 20 km of relatively mellow bike trails for beginners to mountain bike. Anyone looking for nothing too surprising on their ride, and who are more into quick lines through the woods will enjoy this route. You will also find plenty of loops along the way—over 30!

There is the odd rock garden and a few tree roots to manage, but most of the area consists of a smooth, fast-winding trail through the pines; nor is it too hilly.

I found a few tricky side trails not listed on the map at the far end, but most of the area is tame.

Hence, Intermediate Park trail riders could also enjoy these loops too. (I recommend sticking to the broader main routes.)

Guelph Lake is a great spot to wander with your Fatbike, any time of year. The 2 km South Park trail was a favourite for its sweet, long descent.

I really wanted to love this place based on what I had heard, but felt two issues need work:

Firstly, as I rode through this trail system with my son, I hoped for more thrills, but any man-made structures were few and old. I don’t even recall any log jumps! A refresh that includes some new features to enhance the MTB experience, such as boardwalks, bridges, rocks, logs, or berms, would be welcome additions.

Secondly…

 

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

mtb trail guide

Open Street Map

Guelph Lake bike trail map

Guelph Lake bike trail map

Reviews
3.2
Total Score 2 REVIEWS
Fun Factor: Scenic: Trail Design: Technical: Workout:
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