The New Timber Trail Adventure Loop – A tribute to the road builders
With the success of Ride the Highlands’ first adventure route, the Pick-Axe Loop, the Ride the Highlands team went back to the maps and gravel, to develop a new adventure route to ride.
The Timber Trail Loop puts the ‘back’ in backroads. Connecting the communities of Haliburton and Bancroft, this 446 km loop is routed off the main roads and on as much gravel as possible. The ratio sits at around 60% surfaced and 40% gravel, but don’t fret hardcore ADV’rs, there is an optional 18 km section that will test your mind and metal.
Why the name Timber Trail Loop?
The name pays homage to the very reason most of these roads were built – to help harvest the vast timber resources of the region. Old logging trails quickly became settlement routes and now thread together large timber tracts, a year-round resident population and numerous cottage communities. One of the core foundations of Ride the Highlands is to pay tribute to the road builders of the past, who have left a legacy of such amazing motorcycle roads – paved or gravel.
Who is this route for?
Anyone with the desire to get dusty (and maybe a little dirty), to see the heart and soul of Haliburton and Hastings counties. The loop winds and twists its way along scenic lakes, forests, and through historic settlements that feel like time forgot. This route is perfect for any size of adventure motorcycle with at minimum 80/20 tires. The Timber Trail includes a nice mix of twisty pavement and gravel roads and a couple of technical sections to keep you honest.
The optional 18 km section aptly named “Call my Mom” near Maynooth, is reserved for advanced to expert riders and features rocky ascents/descents, mudholes and sand.
What is the best way to ride this route?
On your adventure motorcycle lol. It doesn’t matter which way you go, but it was ground tested riding clockwise starting in Norland in the southwest corner of the loop. Heading north from Norland is perhaps the largest paved section of the route, all the way around to the Haliburton Forest. This surfaced section offers amazing roads for your ADV bike to stretch its legs.
Redkenn Road and Boice Bradley Drive branch off just before you hit the main gate of the Haliburton Forest and wind their way down to Haliburton Lake Road. These roads are straight up gravel goodness.
Harburn Road, a longtime favourite, takes you almost all the way to the quaint town of Haliburton which has lots of fuel, food and accommodation options. Gravel greets you as you head east out of Haliburton, all the way to Burleigh Road which takes you into Wilberforce. Here you hit more gravel just before the Elephant, Peterson Road combo taking you up to Maynooth where we suggest stopping for some delicious coffee and pastries at Sun Run Cafe and Bakery.
For those hardcore adventure seekers, the optional “Call my Mom” advanced route heads north of Peterson Road connecting with Highway 127 just north of Maynooth. This logging access road which is also used as the local ATV and snowmobile trail is full of surprises. **Experts only – always ride this section with a buddy.
From Maynooth you head south on lots of gravel all the way to Bancroft. This regional centre is full of amazing eats like the Bancroft Brew Pub and The Granite.
A short ride south on Highway 62 to L’Amable puts you on the Old Hastings Road which is the original historic route and still gravel today. Take this amazing road all the way to Ormsby and head west to Coe Hill and more gravel on Rose Island Road, to Clydesdale to north on Highway 28 for a short piece of pavement.
Hooking left on West Eels Lake Road you have the option of taking the forest access road to Cheddar or following the amazing, paved Dyno Road. Both end up at Highway 118. Take the 118 west all the way to Gooderham then head southwest on more gravel all the way to Kinmount. Lots more gravel gets you all the way back to your starting point in Norland. There are no issues with fuel, as gas stations dot the entire route.
Notable stops along the way.
There are lots of fun places to get out of the saddle and into some delicious coffee, to pick up some pints for the end of the day or to get that group shot at a scenic lookout. The beauty of backroad touring is what you will stumble upon along the way…a roadside creek, bridge or lake, a historic church with nearby cemetery, or an old farmstead with split rail fences and a bright red barn.
Some sites to check out:
- Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, Haliburton
- Bancroft Brewing Co., Bancroft
- Haliburton Highlands Brewing, Algonquin Highlands
- Skyline Park Lookout, Haliburton
- Eagles Nest Lookout, Bancroft
See you on the gravel.
We recommend that you take two days to complete the Timber Trail Loop with your group. This allows you to stay overnight, enjoy some local handcrafted beverages and cuisine, and reminisce about the day’s ride.
Visit Ride the Highlands Timber Trail Loop to learn more and download the GPX file to your unit. For trip planning help, contact info@ridethehighlands.ca.
