There's never been a better time to explore Huntsville on two wheels.
While it's always been a great place to ride the backroads and park trails, a new trail system has ramped up your ride potential. Enjoy stellar views of North Muskoka's sparkling lakes and rivers, beautiful mixed forests (especially spectacular in the fall), and rugged, rocky landscape.
If you love to ride, check out what these trails in Huntsville have to offer.
The newest entry to Huntsville's mountain-biking scene, the public multi-use trails at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and Deerhurst Resort are an exciting addition for cycling enthusiasts.
Expect to find a range of features packed into the 5 km of public trails — mostly single-track — over a variety of terrain including forested tracks and wide-open meadows, and descents as fun to come down as they are to go up. Be sure to pause your ride to take in the gorgeous view of Peninsula Lake.
The trails, built and maintained by the Huntsville Mountain Bike Association, are open from May to October and are free to use. An additional set of trails are available on the adjacent Deerhurst Resort property for HMBA members and Deerhurst guests.
The Hidden Valley trails are just a 10-minute drive from downtown Huntsville. See a trail map here: https://www.trailforks.com/region/hidden-valley/.
A short drive north of downtown Huntsville you'll find two challenging trails at Arrowhead Provincial Park. The multi-use Arrowhead Lake Trail (4.5 km) circles beautiful Arrowhead Lake for a double-track, family-friendly ride. The single-track multi-use Lookout Trail (3 km) takes you through a mature forest with views over the park.
Bike rentals are available at the Visitor Centre. An Ontario Parks permit is required to access these trails.
Three trails in world-renowned Algonquin Provincial Park — ranging from moderate family-friendly rides to rugged terrain for experienced riders only — offer up an unparalleled experience for cyclists.
Take a leisurely ride on the Old Railway Bike Trail, a 16-km trail that follows the abandoned bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway. Enjoy it in the spring, summer and fall, or return in the winter for something different: fat-biking!
The Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail, with trail loops ranging from 4.7 km to 32.2 km long, is for experienced mountain bikers only. Expect steep, rugged terrain, often muddy and full of rocks, roots, and other obstacles. Open from late June through mid-October.
At the south end of the park, the moderately difficult 6.5-km Byers Lake Mountain Bike Trail (13 km round-trip) is open from spring through fall. Access it from the Kingscote Access Point near Harcourt ON.
An Ontario Parks permit is required to access these trails.
If you need a new ride, want to rent one for the day, or yours needs some TLC, Huntsville's three bike shops have got you covered.
Algonquin Outfitters offers summer rentals at its Lake of Two Rivers store in Algonquin Park, or winter fat-bike rentals from its Downtown Huntsville location. You can also get your ride tuned at the pro shop in Huntsville, or take home a new bike.
Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop on Huntsville's Main Street has new bikes for all ages, or they can fix up your old favourite.
The Bike Shop in Huntsville, near the junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 60, can also repair your ride or get you set up with a new one.
After working up an appetite on the trails, Huntsville's vibrant dining scene offers the perfect reward for your cycling adventures. The town boasts an impressive collection of restaurants and cafes featuring inviting outdoor patios where you can unwind and refuel while soaking in the fresh Muskoka air. Whether you're craving hearty pub fare, fresh local cuisine, or artisanal coffee and pastries, you'll find welcoming patio spaces that capture stunning views of the surrounding lakes and forests. Many establishments embrace the laid-back cottage country atmosphere with string lights, and comfortable seating that invites you to linger long after your meal. The combination of excellent food, craft beverages, and al fresco dining creates the ideal setting to share stories of your day's adventures while watching the sun set over the water.
To truly immerse yourself in Huntsville's exceptional biking opportunities, consider extending your visit with an overnight stay. The area offers a diverse range of accommodations, from charming lakefront properties to cozy inns nestled in the heart of town, each providing the perfect base camp for multi-day cycling adventures. An overnight stay allows you to experience the trails at different times of day – perhaps catching the morning mist rising off the lakes during an early ride, or enjoying the golden hour light filtering through the forest canopy on an evening spin. You'll also have the opportunity to explore multiple trail systems without the pressure of a day trip timeline, giving you the freedom to tackle longer routes or revisit favorite sections. Many accommodations cater specifically to outdoor enthusiasts, offering secure bike storage, hearty breakfast options to fuel your rides, and local insights from hosts who know the best hidden gems and trail conditions.