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ATVers across the province are coming out of hibernation, desperately looking for somewhere to get their tires dirty. Once the sled’s put away, the early ATV season can be a tough go finding trails that are open for use—even more frustrating when the sun’s warm and the air crisp and you just wanna get out there. So if you’re one of those ATVers with the itch to get rolling with the first whiff of Spring, then you’re in luck: The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance has a fantastic network of municipally-owned rail trails that’ll blow the winter dust and cobwebs right off both you and your rig. Here’s what to expect when you load up your rig and head out to Bancroft for some early spring riding!
The Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance rail-line network is one of the oldest multiuse trails in Ontario. You can get yourself set up with a day pass, weekly pass, or a yearly membership directly from their webpage. They’ve also got some suggested rides and routes to try out, and lots of information to help you find places to eat, stay, and shop, which is very handy. You can also check out their interactive trail map to choose which trails you would like to ride.
The Hastings Heritage Trail is a favourite with riders who like to hit the trails in the early season. Getting out early in the season will give you views you won’t be able to see when the leaf cover comes to full bloom. There are a lot of sandy sections of this rail line, so early season usually means the dust is very minimal.
Jump on the Heritage Hastings trail on the outskirts of Bancroft. You can start with a return ride to Coe Hill and back. Early in the season, you’ll most likely find minimal traffic; if you’re lucky you might have the whole trail to yourself!
The Hastings Heritage Trail gives you a little bit of everything a rail-line trail has to offer: gentle curves, sandy sections, gravel sections, tree-covered sections, and bridges that offer some great views—if you’re lucky you might even spy a moose having a snack on lily pads. The trail has mile markers and mileage signs that let you know how far you are from the next amenities, so you have a good handle on how far you have to go (so long as you pay attention to what mile marker you started at!).
The awesome Central Hastings Heritage loop takes you from Tweed through Madoc, Sterling, and back around to Tweed. You can even take in the sights of the Marmora Mine while you’re out there!
So when you’re getting that early itch to get out on the trails this season, check out the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance’s trail network. You may head up for a day, or stay and play for the weekend or longer—their webpage has all the information to point you in the right direction.
Gear up for some great throttle therapy and tons of fresh air on the Eastern Ontario Trails this spring!
