Oro Network – MTB Trail

Length − 65+ km

60% MTB singletrack
30% hiking trail
10% doubletrack access roads

Elevation − Moderate elevation changes; a few short, steeper switchbacks and descents

Terrain − Flowy, smooth sandy/loam base, roots, fieldstones, berms, ladder bridges, a few log piles and boulders to roll over or jump and the odd rock garden

Skill − Intermediate (the sweet spot)

Traffic − MTB, hikers, joggers, dogs; Fatbikes, snowshoers, Nordic skiers, snowmobiles

Maps − Info at trailheads, small post maps − map link when you join SCMBC

Facilities − 9+ parking lots, tune-up stations

Highlights − Endless XC trail, creek bridges, large boulders, MTB mecca

Trail Fee − Free  (consider joining the club)

Phone − 705 726 9300

Website − County of Simcoe

Similar Trails − Dufferin Forest, Turkey Point, Northumberland

Local Clubs − Simcoe County MTB Club − SCMBC,  FB page

Access − The “Hub,” east of Oro-Medonte Line 7 at 280 Bass Lake Rd. E., is the trail & social epicentre. I counted another six more parking/trailheads that connect to this trail network, plus two separate loops to the east that do not connect:

the Schumacher Tract climb at 866 Bass Lake Side Rd. E. and the Breedon Tract loop at around 2100 (or so) Line 9 N., north of Old Barrie Rd. E.

The Oro Trail Network encompasses a large wooded area between Barrie and Orillia. I estimated 65+ km of loops, enough for most any XC MTB rider could wish for to zoom around in one day. 

What brings mountain bikers back to Oro is not only the number of trails available, but also how all of it is at a comfortable Intermediate level. You can expect a pleasant day of easy climbs and flowy descents.

The majority of the singletrack is a blend of smooth sandy soil, some gravel, roots, and small fieldstones. It is not as bumpy as it sounds and seldom has any surprises or awkward terrain to navigate for the average rider. It’s perfect for a slower family outing too.

Out in the middle of these back roads, riders park at the “Hub.” Most of the loops emanate from this point, but there are two others not directly connected that you can also explore. 

As for the journey through the bush, you won’t come upon ancient temples or majestic fjords, it’s just lots of greenery with a few minor sights.

On the 3.3 km Welsh Tract ride, we found a rock garden and, further down, a homestead foundation made from the same round stones. See if you can spot other farmhouse ruins or stone walls on your trek. 

Occasionally there are ramps up large boulders left over from the last ice age, or log piles that can give you liftoff and a thrill.

If you take notice of…

Read more of this review in my MTB guidebook with topo maps and riding tips, plus 54 others. Available as an eBook or paperback.