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: Kelso Conservation Area in Milton
When the snow melts each spring, the skii slopes of Glen Eden transform into a mountain biking hub, also known as Kelso Conservation Area. Enjoy amazing views in the fresh air atop the Niagara Escarpment that 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 well-marked and well-traversed trails are rated by skill level for convenient identification if you felt like taking on a challenge or enjoying a comfortable paddle among the trees.
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.
New to mountain biking? The Kelso Mountain Bike School has you covered! The professional and patient instructors are certified by the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor’s Association and no matter your skill level, they would be able to help you tackle technical trail features such as bridges, rollers, rocks and logs to give you the best biking experience on your trail.
The Kelso MTB Race Series offers mountain bikers of all abilities a weekly Niagara Escarpment challenge. The series runs from May through the end of August. 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.
Looking for trails in Hamilton? One of the most beautiful lake settings on the Niagara Escarpment, Christie Lake, offers 10 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. The trails are managed by both the Hamilton Conservation Authority and the Hamilton Burlington Mountain Biking Association and the trail signs currently run one-way, so be mindful of your direction before starting your journey.
Mountains might be tricky to find in Brantford but the Rotary Bike Park will deliver on the thrills you seek! From beginner trails with smaller obstacles and mild terrain to black diamond level circuits with unavoidable obstacles, drops and steep angles, the bike park allows riders of all skill level to enjoy mountain biking. The free access park is open during daylight hours (closes at dusk), has free parking on-site for easy access and nearby washrooms for convenience. After a day of rugged riding, you can also hit Brantford’s extensive trail network that can connect you anywhere from Paris to Burlington to continue your day on wheels.
