The best cycling routes in Durham Regional Forest
4.5
(11)
437
riders
21
rides
Touring cycling in Durham Regional Forest offers routes across 596 hectares of diverse natural landscapes. The area is situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, providing a rolling topography with mature plantation forests and natural hardwood areas. Trails feature a mix of hardpack, sand, and gravel surfaces, with some sections offering paved options. This region connects to broader trail networks, including parts of the Trans Canada Trail and the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail.
Best touring cycling routes in Durham Regional Forest
- The most popular touring cycling route is Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Main Clearing, an 11.5 miles (18.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 43 minutes to complete. This route navigates through the forest's varied terrain, offering a mix of surfaces.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Glen Major Forest loop from Public parking, a moderate 11.2 miles (18.1 km) path. This route features rolling topography and diverse forest scenery within the Glen Major Forest.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Durham Regional Forest, a 7.4 miles (12.0 km) trail leading through mature plantation forests and natural hardwood areas, often completed in about 1 hour 7 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Durham Regional Forest is defined by rolling topography, mature plantation forests, and natural hardwood areas. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Durham Regional Forest are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Durham Regional Forest's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 8, 2026
128
riders
18.6km
01:43
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
24
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
31.4km
02:09
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is a super flowy singletrack between the pines. Visibility is good, but there are also a number of doubletrack trails in this part of the park that you can use to give space to other trail users.
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There are two parallel trails that lead between Dagmar and Concession Road 7. For mountain bikers this is the outbound trail (the other one is inbound only), so if you are hiking keep an eye out for signage to be aware of which direction bikers will be coming from.
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This is one of the more popular trails in the park. Trails are shared between hikers and mountain bikers, though at times some of the singletrack may be unidirectional for bikers. If this is the case, it's nice to hike opposite to bike traffic to make it easier to spot cyclists.
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There is a bench at this junction where you can rest for a moment. There is also a junction marker with a map to help you navigate your way through the south end of Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest.
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There is ample parking at this lot with maps and access to the southern part of Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest. This network of trails winds through the forest and is especially popular for hiking and mountain biking.
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There is a gate here connecting Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest with a bench where you can sit for a break if needed. If you're looping around Walker Woods, you can skip the gate and continue along The Grind trail.
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As part of the 2020 situation, trail maintenance has not been performed. Overgrowth is a bit of an issue, as is being surrounded rather tightly by walls of long grass. Nothing causing push-a-bike but it affects visibility related to line choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Durham Regional Forest?
Durham Regional Forest offers over a dozen touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good selection of easy loops, some moderate challenges, and even a difficult option for experienced riders.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Durham Regional Forest?
The routes in Durham Regional Forest feature a diverse mix of surfaces, including hardpack, sand, and gravel. Some sections also offer paved options. The area is situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, so expect a rolling topography with gentle ascents and descents through mature plantation forests and natural hardwood areas.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Durham Regional Forest?
Yes, Durham Regional Forest has several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Main Clearing is an easy 18.6 km route, and the Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Durham Regional Forest is a shorter 12.0 km easy trail, both offering pleasant rides through the forest.
What are the options for longer touring cycling routes in the area?
For a longer ride, consider the Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Uxbridge, which is a moderate 30.1 km route. Beyond the immediate forest, the broader Durham Region offers extensive networks of country roads and dedicated gravel routes, including sections of the Trans Canada Trail and the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, providing options for longer distances.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Durham Regional Forest?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Durham Regional Forest are designed as loops. Examples include the popular Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Main Clearing and the Glen Major Forest loop from Public parking, which offer varied experiences within the forest's natural setting.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while cycling in Durham Regional Forest?
While cycling, you'll experience lush, vibrant forestry with a mix of mature plantation forests and natural hardwood areas. The rolling topography of the Oak Ridges Moraine is a constant feature, and you might encounter historic blow sands. The forest itself is a significant natural landmark, offering beautiful sights throughout.
Is parking available at the trailheads in Durham Regional Forest?
Yes, paid parking is available at Durham Regional Forest. The main tract, for example, has amenities like trail kiosks and maps, indicating designated parking areas for visitors.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Durham Regional Forest?
The forest offers year-round outdoor activities, but for touring cycling, spring, summer, and fall generally provide the most pleasant conditions. The vibrant forestry is particularly beautiful during these seasons. Always check local trail conditions, especially after rain, as some sections can become sandy or muddy.
What do other touring cyclists say about their experience in Durham Regional Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over a dozen reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Durham Regional Forest, often praising its varied terrain, beautiful forest scenery, and the network of trails that connect to wider regional routes.
Are there options for more challenging touring cycling routes?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there is a difficult 23.7 km Glen Major Forest loop from Public parking. Additionally, the broader Durham Region offers country roads with challenging hills and dedicated gravel routes that can provide a more strenuous touring experience.
Can I connect to other major trail networks from Durham Regional Forest?
Absolutely. Durham Regional Forest provides direct access to sections of larger regional and national trail networks. You can connect to parts of the Trans Canada Trail and the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, allowing for extended rides beyond the forest boundaries.
What kind of bike is best suited for touring cycling in Durham Regional Forest?
Given the mix of hardpack, sand, and gravel surfaces, a gravel bike or a touring bike equipped for mixed terrain would be ideal. While some routes have paved sections, the varied nature of the trails means a bike with wider tires and good stability will enhance your experience.
Most popular routes in Durham Regional Forest
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