Hub-and-Spoke Fall Adventures: Ride More, Pack Less
Fall in the Highlands is pure magic. Crisp air, fiery reds and golds lighting up the treeline, and winding roads made for two wheels and throttle therapy. It’s one of the best times of the year to explore, but shorter days and unpredictable weather can cut into your saddle time. That’s where hub-and-spoke riding comes in.
Instead of packing up every morning, set up a home base in one spot and ride a new loop each day. More time on the bike, less time wrestling with your gear.
Why Hub-and-Spoke Riding is Great in Fall
No daily packing stress – unload once, ride more.
Maximize daylight – spend your hours on the road, not checking in and out.
Ride variety – Each loop offers different scenery, terrain, and character.
Dry out and cozy up – after a wet day, nothing beats coming back to the same warm home base where gear can dry and you can recharge.
With the new Haliburton/Hastings Local Rides joining the tried-and-true Ottawa Valley routes, these hub-and-spoke adventures are designed for chasing fall colours. Each loop delivers unforgettable views and twisty terrain, making this your guide to planning the ultimate autumn riding getaway.
This newest Local Ride region delivers a perfect mix of twisty pavement, lakeside views, dramatic rock cuts and rolling highlands. Plan for four days of riding to complete each route. For fall colour seekers, riding the Algonquin Spur is a must. This 320km loop takes you through Algonquin Park, which is some of the best leaf-peeping territory in Ontario.
Route Roads for the Best Fall Colour:
– Highway 60 through the Algonquin Corridor
– Elephant Lake and Peterson Road
Pro tip: Ride the Algonquin Spur counter-clockwise to avoid the bulk of traffic making their way through the park.
Stops worth pulling over for:
Whether you’re warming up with a hot drink, grabbing a bite, or chasing that epic view, these stops are worth adding to your itinerary:
Fuel for the Road – SIRCH Bistro & Bakery or Eagle Lake Country Market for fresh baked treats to keep you rolling.
Patio breaks – Hook Line & Sinker, Bonnie View Dockside Patio, Bancroft Brewpub, or The Rockcliffe are perfect for those warm fall afternoons.
Scenic lookouts – Skyline Park, Dorset Lookout Tower, Sir Sam’s Eagle View Observation Tower, Algonquin Visitor Centre Platform, plus plenty of lake pull-offs along the way.
There’s no shortage of rider-friendly accommodations along these routes. For a central home base with plenty of amenities, look to the Haliburton or Bancroft area. Both towns give you easy access to multiple loops and a comfortable place to recharge after a day in the saddle. Prefer to stay put once the kickstand is down? Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa and Bonnie View Inn both offer on-site dining, making them perfect for riders who want everything in one spot.
The Ottawa Valley is a classic Local Rides hub, with roads that carve along rivers, climb through valleys, and reward you with endless fall views. Plan for five days if you want to hit every route. If your riding days are limited, make sure the Valley Sally and Calabogie Boogie loops are on your itinerary, they deliver some of the best fall colour views in the Ottawa Valley. Each ride comes with that signature Valley hospitality, and a mix of Top 10 Roads with jaw-dropping crimson Highlands scenery making this one of the ultimate fall colour adventures.
Route Roads for the Best Fall Colour:
– Highway 28 from Hardwood Lake to Denbigh (if you don’t know why we call it the Highlands, you soon will)
Stops that hit the spot:
Brake at these locations for the full Ottawa Valley experience:
River views – Take in the fall backdrop from the patio at Whitewater Brewing Co. – Riverside Pub, or get a different perspective with a ride across the river on the Quyon Ferry.
Lookouts – Catch sweeping valley views from Westmeath Lookout or the grounds of St. Mary’s Catholic Church just outside of Wilno.
Fuel and treats – Refuel with coffee and a fresh-baked snack at Pakenham’s 1840s General Store & Bakery, or if the sun’s still warm, cool off with a cone from Scoops.
Similar to the Haliburton/Hastings Local Rides, the Ottawa Valley has accommodations sprinkled along the routes. For more amenities and easy access to multiple loops, Barry’s Bay, Calabogie, and Renfrew are solid home base options, offering fuel, restaurants, and plenty of rider-friendly stays.
Tips for Fall Hub-and-Spoke Riding
Book early – fall is peak season for both riders and leaf-watchers.
Layer smart – mornings can be frosty while afternoons stay warm.
Plan warm-up stops – keep our list handy: Fuel for the Ride: High-Octane Coffee Stops Across the Highlands
Enjoy fall patio season – yes, they’re still a thing on sunny days: Kickstands Down, Umbrellas Up: 13 Patios Worth Parking For
Watch for wildlife – deer and moose are on the move this time of year.
Fuel up – plan your gas stops, since some rural stations shorten hours in the fall.
This fall, ride more and pack less. Pick your hub, download the Local Rides GPX files, and hit the road. With a basecamp approach, you’ll cover more ground, chase more colours, and finish every ride knowing your personal items, and maybe a pint by the fire, are waiting for you dry, back at your accommodation.