The best traffic-free bike rides in Kowen Forest

Our guide features 5 traffic-free touring cycling routes in and around the Kowen Forest area, offering a variety of distances and experiences. These routes are designed to help you enjoy peaceful rides away from busy roads.

The routes in this guide range from easy to moderate difficulty. For example, the Boer War Memorial – James Cook Memorial loop from Hackett and the Lego House – ANU Solar Thermal Big Dish loop from Hackett are rated as easy, while the Molonglo Gorge Entrance loop from Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve is moderate. This variety ensures options for different fitness levels.

Kowen Forest offers a mix of terrain suitable for touring cyclists, particularly those who enjoy gravel riding and unpaved routes. You'll find hardpack singletracks and fire trails, often through towering pine plantations. Some routes may also include paved sections, providing a diverse riding experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic environment and the opportunity to ride away from vehicle traffic, enjoying the unique landscape of the pine forest and surrounding natural features.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Mount Ainslie Lookout loop from Australian War Memorial and the Mount Ainslie Lookout loop from Hackett.

Many routes offer scenic views and access to natural features. For instance, the Molonglo Gorge Entrance loop from Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve takes you near the Molonglo River and Gorge, a significant natural feature. Other routes provide elevated views of the surrounding areas, including landmarks like Mount Ainslie.

While Kowen Forest is an active commercial pine plantation, many of its fire trails and less technical paths can be suitable for families, especially those with some experience on unpaved surfaces. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities. The traffic-free nature of these routes makes them appealing for a safer family outing.

Parking is generally available at the designated starting points for many of these routes. For example, the Molonglo Gorge Entrance loop starts from Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve, which typically has parking facilities. For routes starting from Hackett or the Australian War Memorial, street parking or dedicated car parks are usually available nearby.

Kowen Forest can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures. Summer can be hot, so early morning rides are recommended. Winter rides are possible, but be aware of potentially damp or muddy conditions on unpaved sections. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

It's important to note that Kowen Forest is primarily a commercial pine plantation, and there is generally no drinking water available in many areas. Visitors should plan accordingly and carry their own supplies. Cafes or other amenities are typically found in nearby towns or Canberra suburbs, rather than directly within the forest itself.

Yes, Kowen Forest and its vicinity offer some historical interest. The region research mentions the Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area campground and the Glenburn Heritage Precinct, which features historical roads. While not directly on every route, these sites provide insight into the area's past and can be explored as part of a longer touring adventure.