South March – MTB Trail

Length –  25+ km

60% MTB single track
40% hiking trail

Terrain – rolling hills with outcrops, quick accents but nothing too hilly

Surface – smooth soil, roots, random limestone rocky sections, large granite outcrops

Skill –  intermediate, more fun for expert riders

Trail Maps – at trailhead, post markers on trail

Facilities – parking on street or community centre

Highlights – well designed and maintain MTB playground, boardwalk over pond, flat rocks

Trail Pass – free

Phone – none

Website – South Marsh Highlands

Similar Trails – Laurentian, Agreement Forest,  Georgian

Local Clubs – OMBA – Ottawa Mountain Bike Association

Access – official one is to park at the rec centre SE of the trailhead, but most riders find that awkward and park on the street where I placed the flag, many other entry points

The South March Highlands Conservation Area is likely the best MTB spot around Ottawa and a top ride in Ontario.

Here you will find 25+ km of well maintained challenging, gnarly ride that has lots of variety for the experienced rider.

Like rock? This place has got tons and it’s fun! The local club does an excellent job of bridge building and placing flat stone on the paths to better the ride.

Bring your dual suspension for this one, ’cause the pounding on the Rockhopper trail alone will make it a joy. The layered rocks are very random and jut out in chunks, so picking your line is important.

I hear Fat Bikes are out in the winter making this a totally different and smoother ride experience.

As with many ride locations, beginners will only manage the first few loops at the beginning, but as the track works its way to the back it’s going to be too much.

For the rest of us keen riders, the black diamond loop at the back is no harder than the …

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