Backroad Cycling Routes

Difficulty: Easy 

Starting Point: Amherst Island Ferry Dock, Stella

Take the ferry from Millhaven (vehicles: $10, bicycles: $1.50) and ride the quiet gravel roads that circle the island. Along the way, you will pass rolling farmland, Irish dry stone walls, Sand Beach Wetlands Conservation Area, and the Owl Woods. Extend your visit with stops at Topsy Farms, The Weasel & Easel, and the Neilson Store Museum. The Back Kitchen and McGinn’s Amherst Island General Store are there when you get hungry.

Difficulty: Easy 

Starting Point: MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, Bath

Park at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company and ride a loop that mixes asphalt and gravel through the countryside around Bath. A brewery is a good place to start a ride, and an even better place to finish one.

Difficulty: Easy 

Starting Point: Maplescapes Farm, Odessa

Launch from Maplescapes Farm and follow quiet country roads lined with mature maple trees. This loop is good any time of year, but comes into its own in the fall. Bring a camera.

Difficulty: Easy 

Starting Point: Abrams Bakery, Newburgh

Park at Abrams Bakery in Newburgh and connect with the Cataraqui Trail, an old rail trail running to Strathcona, before joining a mix of gravel and asphalt roadways. This loop picks up a lot of favourite points with riders who know it.

Difficulty: Easy 

Starting Point: The Black Cat Cafe, Tamworth

Stone Mills Township is home to a string of small hamlets, and this route connects several of them. Park in Tamworth at The Black Cat Cafe and ride roads that take you past Beaver Lake, Enterprise, Centreville, and Croydon. You will cross the Salmon River several times along the way.

Difficulty: Moderate 

Starting Point: Menzel Centennial Provincial Wildlife Area, Roblin

Start near Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve, which is worth a hike on its own (no bikes on the trail, please). The route follows a good mix of asphalt and gravel country roads with views of the Salmon River in places, and passes Buttermilk Falls near Forest Mills. This loop crosses into Hastings County and the small community of Lonsdale.

Difficulty: Challenging 

Starting Point: The Lakeview Tavern, Erinsville

Park near the Lakeview Tavern at Lions Beaver Lake Park. The route runs through rural countryside in Stone Mills Township and crosses into Hastings County. There is real elevation on this loop, so come prepared for the climbs. A cold drink and a swim are waiting at the end.

Difficulty: Challenging 

Starting Point: L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area, Erinsville

Start from the parking lot at the L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area and head down County Road 41. Note that this road is paved with shoulders but carries traffic, so ride with caution. After turning off 41, the route opens into a mix of gravel and asphalt backroads and a stretch of The Great Trail, a well-maintained rail trail. Sheffield Conservation Area is nearby with swimming in Mellon Lake. Stick around after dark for the night sky.

Difficulty: Challenging 

Starting Point: Addington Highlands Municipal Office, Flinton

You are fully in the Canadian Shield on this loop, so expect steady climbing and descending throughout. Park at the Addington Highlands Municipal Office in Flinton. The views hold up the whole way around. The easternmost section ventures into Frontenac County. If you have energy left at the end, the L&A County Forest Trails are right there.

Note: Recommended from late spring through fall. A 5 km section of O’Donnell Road is unmaintained and best avoided in early spring.

Difficulty: Challenging 

Starting Point: Finnegan’s General Store, Cloyne

This loop sits in the heart of the Canadian Shield. Park by Finnegan’s General Store and take in a short route that comes recommended by local riders. The loop crosses into Frontenac County east of Highway 41, with scenic stops along the way. Bon Echo Provincial Park is close by if you want to extend the day.