Ain’t no mountain high enough? Mountain bikers looking for their next challenge will find plenty of inspiration in Hamilton Halton Brant. When you’re ready to face some of Southern Ontario’s best climbs and tough terrain, head out to: Glen Eden/Kelso Conservation Area, Milton
When the snow melts each spring, Glen Eden transforms into a southern Ontario mountain biking hub, also known as Kelso Conservation Area. Amazing views atop the Niagara Escarpment will make you feel a million miles from home. Here you’ll find easy access to some of the region’s best mountain bike trails with onsite parking at staging areas and access to trail maps. The 22 km of trails are well marked and rated by skill level for convenience.
If you’re looking for an up-hill challenge, kick-start your ride up the ski-hill at Kelso. Follow the blue and black trails or extend your ride and try them both (22 km). Some even do it twice! You’ll be rewarded with a downhill slope at the end, so treat yourself to a chicken wing feast in Milton after your ride.
Be sure to check out Kelso’s Mountain Bike Skills Zone, which features wooden bridges, rollers, rocks and logs so riders of all ages can learn to properly tackle technical trail features.
The Kelso MTB Race Series offers mountain bikers of all abilities a weekly Niagara Escarpment challenge. The series runs from the end of May through the beginning of September. Riders can take on some of the best climbs in southern Ontario by signing up for single races or the entire series. There’s also a safe, fun, challenging kids’ course at the base of the hill, so be sure to bring the little ones out for a taste of the action.
Hilton Falls Conservation Area has 18 km of tough terrain, and is home to some of the region’s most technically challenging mountain biking trails. Natural fixed rocks offer challenging obstacles, tight turns, and short, steep climbs that will keep your heart pounding.
Mountain bikers can find hours of adrenalin pumping fun on the Bent Rim (5 km), Single Track (7 km) and Wandering Lynx Backcountry (6.5 km) trails. Consisting of mostly rock and dirt surfaces, as well as bridges and loops, it is recommended bikers hit these trails prepared with extra tire tubes and tools.
Advanced riders looking for a wild ride will love singletrack riding in the Dundas Valley. You’ll pass by several waterfalls and experience elevation changes along the routes.
You’ll need some experience with trail navigation, as the routes are easy to follow using rider generated maps on Everytrail, but aren’t well marked. You can also get a riding map from FreeWheel located in downtown Dundas.
One of the most beautiful lake settings on the Niagara Escarpment, Christie Lake offers 5 kilometres of beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain biking trails. They run through the south side of Christie Lake, opening up the mostly pine-reforested area to two-wheeled exploration.
