Typically known for the charming cottages that line the shores of pristine lakes, what many visitors to the Cottage Country region of Ontario might not know is that there are expansive networks of trails and routes for ATVing, off-roading, and overlanding scattered throughout the region. From old rail grades that follow scenic lakes and river valleys to muddy bush trails deep in the forest, Cottage Country is home to over 10,000 kilometres of designated ATV and Overland routes.
The brand-new 7th Edition of the Cottage Country Ontario Backroad Mapbook features 60 detailed listings of the best ATV-OHV riding areas in the region, complete with information on staging, trail distance, difficulty, highlights, camping, nearby lodging and outfitters, and more. New to this edition, we also feature exciting Overland touring routes. This is in addition to thousands of clearly marked Adventure Points of Interest and the most complete road coverage for Cottage Country, from highways to logging and utility roads including deactivated and unclassified roads.
Whether you are an experienced ATVer looking for muddy thrills or someone new to the off-roading scene, the Cottage Country region of Ontario has routes for everyone. Below, we list some of the best and most popular ATV, OHV, and Overlanding routes in the area.
1. Experience Expansive Lake Views While Overlanding or ATVing the Ahmic Lake Trail
From the town of Ahmic Harbour near Magnetawan, the 42 km (26 mile) Ahmic Lake Trail travels through gravel, dirt, and mud along an abandoned rail line. Suitable for 4x4 vehicles and ATVs alike, this route is relatively flat and good for beginners. From Ahmic Harbour, head southeast along Ahmic Lake Road past the narrows of Neighick and Crawford Lakes before meeting up with the Old Nipissing “Ghost Road” at Spence. Head north past the cemetery and follow the trail alongside Ahmic Lake before heading northwest on Highway 520 to Highway 124 west. At the junction of Highway 124, ATVs are required to drive on the paved shoulder.
Features of this route include expansive views of Ahmic Lake, the Magnetawan River and river valleys, the Knoepfli and Fagans Falls, both of which are found along the Magnetawan River, historic sites, and great swimming areas. The Knoepfli Falls are found just off Highway 124, while Fagans Falls are another 1.5 km west off Robinson Drive. Located on the shores of nearby Beaver Lake, Camp Klahanie offers comfortable camping opportunities in a private campground, while various gravel pull-outs provide options for truck camping.
2. Get Deep into the Backcountry with the Haliburton ATV Association Trails
With the largest marked, mapped, signed, and insured trail system in Ontario, the Haliburton ATV Association Trails range from wide, forest access roads and rails-to-trails to extreme deep woods paths that require winches as standard equipment. Over 1,700 kilometres (1,056 miles) of trails extend beyond Haliburton and into the Muskoka, Kawartha, Peterborough, Almaguin, and Madawaska regions.
The famous Haliburton and Victoria Rail Trail runs from Haliburton through Kinmount and Fenelon Falls before ending in Lindsay in the Kawartha region. Several branches and goat trails extend off the main Rail Trail for some muddy backcountry adventures and wilderness camping opportunities. Other popular trails include the Greens Mountain Trails, Miserable Lake Trails, and the Five Points Trail system, which is located on Crown land.
The trails west of Highway 35 link the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands with the Frost Centre between Minden and Dorset, and to the east of the highway extended trails are lead in all directions around Gooderham and Haliburton. As a bonus, ATVers can now travel on the shoulders of most roads in the area. For trail passes, memberships, cabin rentals, or suggestions for backcountry camping, get in touch with the Haliburton ATV Association or visit haliburtonatv.com.
3. Ride the Weslemkoon Lake Loop
Found just east of Bancroft, 120 kilometres (75 miles) of trails loop around the large Weslemkoon Lake, with hundreds of kilometres of additional side trails branching off forest access roads. The trails in this area range from wide, ATV and 4x4 accessible gravel roads to narrow, rocky climbs and flowing singletrack. Many of the side roads and trails lead down to coves or arms that extend off the large lake, or to smaller lakes that are scattered throughout the area. Staging areas for these trails can be found off Mississippi Road, or from Frank & Freda’s ATV Camp and Ride near the end of Weslemkoon Lake Road.
From the south end of Weslemkoon Lake off Welemkoom Lake Road, rough and muddy ATV trails lead east and then south to Merrill Lake, which has a beautiful, secluded beach and great wilderness camping opportunities. Another option is to head northwest on a loop that leads past a network of small lakes and rivers or continue heading south along trails that loop around Whitefish Lake, where more wilderness camping opportunities exist.
Fishing is popular on Weslemkoon Lake and many of the small lakes nearby, so be sure to bring a rod! For those who prefer comfort over camping, plenty of RV Parks, cabins, lodges, and vacation rentals line the shore of the large Weslemkoon Lake. Further north, the Ottawa Valley Area Trails explore the wilderness surrounding Trout Lake, Simpson Lake, and Blackbass Lake.
4. Experience the Best of Cottage Country Winter Riding with the Haliburton Forest ATV Trails
The Haliburton Forest is 32,376 hectares (80,000 ac) and features a large network of roads and trails, most with elevation gains. This scenic forest also offers over 400 kilometres (248 miles) of well-developed snowmobile and winter ATV trails to explore when the snow shuts down most of the area’s motorized trail options. In fact, Haliburton Forest is considered one of the Top 10 snowmobiling and winter ATV destinations in North America.
The base camp and parking area is located near Kennisis Lake and features gasoline, oil, snowmobile rentals, accommodations, and food. The trails range from wide, forest access roads to technical routes consisting of switchbacks and rocky outcrops. Most of the trails feature elevation gains and many lead to observation decks or lookout points with panoramic views of the forest, hills, valleys, lakes, and rivers below.
With a whole host of amenities near or along the trail network, the Haliburton Forest is the perfect place for a winter adventure. Shelters with washrooms are located along the trails, and many of the routes lead to secluded lakes with wilderness camping opportunities. There are also 12 fully furnished, self-contained vacation rentals available on the Haliburton Forest property.
For more information or snow conditions, visit haliburtonforest.com or call 1-800-631-2198.
Off-Road Adventures Await!
With an array of ATV Associations and Clubs that maintain formal off-roading trails and an expansive network of industry roads, old rail grades, and bush trails suitable for ATVing or Overlanding, the off-roading opportunities in Cottage Country are virtually endless.
Ready to get out and explore all that Cottage Country has to offer? Pick up a copy of the brand-new 7th Edition Cottage Country Ontario Backroad Mapbook today. Also, be sure to check out our GPS Maps and BRMB Maps App, which is downloadable to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, for an on-the-go digital experience.
