Horseshoe Valley – MTB DH Trail

1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd, Barrie
Posted on June 26, 2020 / 3182
Horseshoe Valley – MTB DH Trail
Listing Types : MTB Trail
Location : Central Ontario
Note : EPIC Ride
Total Trail Km : 15
MTB Track % : 90
Double track % : 10
Rate Skill Levels : Easy, Intermediate, Advanced
Terrain : sandy spots, smooth soil, structures, logs jumps, large hills, steep hills, twisty & gnarly, tree roots
Faclities : parking, food close by, toilet, outhouse, drinking water, change rooms, lodging, trailhead map, good signage, trails maintained, bike rentals, pro shop, shelter
Trail Fee : Yes

Length − 15 km

90% MTB singletrack
10% doubletrack access roads

Elevation − 80 m vertical, hill sloping up is shaped like a horseshoe, grades are not crazy steep

Terrain − Clay/sandy base, roots, fieldstones, rock gardens, big berms, ladder bridges, skinnies, drops, dirt jumps, ramps

Skill − All levels − best for Intermediate learners

Traffic – MTB riders, hikers and tourists − open daily – 10 am − 5 pm

Maps – Online; posted trails use a numbering system

Facilities − Parking lot, chairlift, bike rentals, repairs, food, lodging, water sports, golf, skiing

Highlights − Good introduction to DH riding, hilltop view, many other services

Trail Fee − Lift ticket $29/day

Phone − 705 835 2790

WebsiteHorseshoe Resort

Similar Trails − Blue Mountain (reviewed soon),  Copeland ForestSir Sam’sKelso

Local ClubsSimcoe County Mountain Bike Club – SMBC

Access − Drive north from Barrie on Hwy 404 and go west on County Rd. 22 (Horseshoe Valley Rd. W.). Park near the ski hill on the south side.

photos courtesy of Horseshoe Resorts



North of Barrie, Horseshoe Valley Resort has a downhill bike park that’s introduced many a rider to the thrill of gravity runs. Though short in height and smaller than most North American DH parks, it has a good following and delivers plenty of thrills for all.

As Blue Mountain’s baby brother, it’s a good fit for those interested in trying this style of mountain biking. Cheaper and closer to Toronto, it is a great training ground for riders who aspire to take on more epic jumps, longer bombs and steeper slopes eventually.

The high-speed six-person lift takes riders to the top of this ski hill in no time and eleven runs offer a little something for every skill level.

With only 80 metres of vertical, you know going down will be over in a few minutes—just do more. Trails have no names, just numbers (this seems rather dull compared to all the creative trail naming I’ve seen).

Since trails are designed to introduce mountain bike riders to downhill runs, you can try things out using your current MTB, if it’s decent and well built.

Certainly, any MTB rider with a few years in the saddle should not have a problem doing the Beginner and Intermediate #1, 3, 8, 9 and 10 trails. These runs coming down through the woods are full of berms and small jumps, ideal to practice on and build up your courage.

Moving on to the steeper black-diamond territory…

 

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

mtb trail guide

Horseshoe Valley DH MTB trail map

Horseshoe Valley DH MTB trail map

Reviews
4.2
Total Score 2 REVIEWS
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