Northumberland County Forest is a little known set of bike loops for the mountain biker looking for a cross country type of ride.
You can get a fast, hilly mix of loops, with roots, sandy sections and with plenty of trail to discover. A great spot for Fatbikes!
The forest is large, mixed with evergreen and deciduous trees with arid sections and never busy so be equipped to get out on your own.
Most of the trail is cut by hikers and for cross country skiing in the winter. Numerous dirty roads and AVT trail also add to the ride. Very similar to riding in Ganaraska.
A local club cut a 4km MTB light blue trail but otherwise there little of the gnarly twist stuff in these woods I know of.
There are 3 main MTB area Beagle Club Trails, Woodland Trail and the Blue Trail (the map has two blue trails?? it’s the one on the NE side across the road from the parking lot)
For Park Trail riders, taking the loops slower, this is a pleasant outing with challenging sections and exercise involved. A hybrid bike will handle most of the trail, watch for the deep sand patches.
With that sand (part of the Oak Ridge moraine) grows itchy poison ivy. And on some back trail at times has lots of it.
Now it does not seem to bother me, but it can be waist high by the end of the summer. Early spring or fall after a frost will see a lot less of it. Look for raspberries too. Yum!
Also, be aware black bears wander these parts so make some noise as you go, it could be a good thing.
I have not ridden everything out here and welcome other riders’ input…
Read more of this review in my MTB guidebook with topo maps and riding tips, plus 54 others. Available as an eBook or paperback.
