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, an exciting 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 unique destinations and community events have to offer:
The newest entry to Huntsville’s mountain-biking scene, the 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 over a variety of terrain including forested tracks 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 (HMBA), 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, day pass users and Deerhurst guests.
Thursday Night Group Rides: Join the HMBA on Thursday nights from June through October. Meet at the Hidden Valley main parking lot—a group roll-out starts at 6:30 PM, but you can show up and ride at any time. Gather back at the parking lot at 8:00 PM for a community social. The rides are open to all genders and abilities (a valid HMBA membership or day pass is required). Note: Timing shifts later in the season based on daylight, so check the HMBA Instagram page for weather updates and schedule adjustments.
Located just a short distance from downtown Huntsville, Lance's Loop 5 km network offers an incredible mix of terrain that caters to all skill levels, with dedicated trails rated for Easy, Difficult, and More Difficult riding available to HMBA members or day pass users.
To access the network, the main trail head is located at the dead end of Forest Glen Road (reached by following Maple Heights Drive). A secondary entrance is also available at 461 North Mary Lake Road, where you can follow the main trail right to the trail head.
While there is minimal parking directly at the Forest Glen Road dead end, the community has fantastic parking support nearby. The Riverside Baptist Church at 11 Riverside Drive generously allows riders to park on-site (with a request for no parking between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Sundays), leaving you with less than a 1 km warm-up ride to the Forest Glen trail head. Convenient parking is also available at the church located at 482 North Mary Lake Road, as well as along North Mary Lake Road, provided you do not block local driveways or the trail entrances. Please note that access to this network requires a valid HMBA membership or a day pass.
A short drive north of downtown Huntsville you’ll find two moderately challenging trails at Arrowhead Provincial Park. The multi-use Arrowhead Lake Trail (5.1 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 23.4 km long, is considered moderately difficult. Expect hilly sections, and rocky terrain while you travel through lush hardwood forest and over sections of boardwalk.
At the south end of the park, the moderately difficult 6.5-km Byers Lake Mountain Bike Trail (13 km round-trip) is the trail for scenic views of the York River, the Gut Rapids and Byers Lake. 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.
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.