The best traffic-free bike rides in Durham Regional Forest
4.5
(10)
450
riders
22
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in Durham Regional Forest traverse a landscape characterized by rolling topography and extensive forested areas. Situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the region features a mix of mature plantation forests and natural hardwood sections. Cyclists can expect varied terrain, including both gradual ascents and flatter sections, with access to over 16 kilometers of recreational trails. The area also connects to the Trans Canada Trail, offering wide, stone-dust paths suitable for touring bikes.
Best no traffic…
Last updated: September 2, 2026
128
riders
18.6km
01:43
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
24
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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23
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
31.4km
02:09
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Durham Regional Forest
Tips from the Community
This is a super flowy singletrack between the pines. Visibility is good, but there are also a number of doubletrack trails in this part of the park that you can use to give space to other trail users.
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There are two parallel trails that lead between Dagmar and Concession Road 7. For mountain bikers this is the outbound trail (the other one is inbound only), so if you are hiking keep an eye out for signage to be aware of which direction bikers will be coming from.
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This is one of the more popular trails in the park. Trails are shared between hikers and mountain bikers, though at times some of the singletrack may be unidirectional for bikers. If this is the case, it's nice to hike opposite to bike traffic to make it easier to spot cyclists.
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There is a bench at this junction where you can rest for a moment. There is also a junction marker with a map to help you navigate your way through the south end of Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest.
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There is ample parking at this lot with maps and access to the southern part of Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest. This network of trails winds through the forest and is especially popular for hiking and mountain biking.
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There is a gate here connecting Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest with a bench where you can sit for a break if needed. If you're looping around Walker Woods, you can skip the gate and continue along The Grind trail.
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As part of the 2020 situation, trail maintenance has not been performed. Overgrowth is a bit of an issue, as is being surrounded rather tightly by walls of long grass. Nothing causing push-a-bike but it affects visibility related to line choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Durham Regional Forest?
There are 12 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available in Durham Regional Forest on komoot, offering a range of experiences for touring cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic touring routes?
The routes in Durham Regional Forest, situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, feature a rolling topography with a mix of plantation forests and natural hardwood areas. You'll find 'easy wide access roads' suitable for touring, and sections of the Trans Canada Trail are flat, wide, and stone-dust rail trails, ideal for hybrid or cyclocross bikes. Some regional routes also feature mostly paved surfaces.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic touring routes?
Yes, Durham Regional Forest offers several easy routes perfect for families. For instance, the Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Main Clearing is an easy 18.5 km route with minimal elevation gain, utilizing wide access roads. Another great option is the Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Durham Regional Forest, which is just under 12 km and also rated easy.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Durham Regional Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.375 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails, the diverse forest scenery, and the accessibility of routes suitable for various skill levels, especially the wide, well-maintained paths.
Are there any longer no-traffic touring routes for more experienced cyclists?
Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, the Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Uxbridge offers a moderate 30 km ride with over 320 meters of elevation gain. Another option is the Glen Major Forest loop from Public parking, a difficult 23.7 km route with significant elevation changes.
Can I access the Trans Canada Trail from Durham Regional Forest?
Absolutely. Durham Regional Forest provides direct access to the Trans Canada Trail. The section passing through Durham, specifically from Uxbridge to Manilla, is a 26-kilometer one-way segment that is flat, wide, and made of stone-dust, making it excellent for touring cyclists looking for extended, traffic-free rides.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring routes available?
Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the Glen Major Forest loop from Public parking is a moderate 18 km circular route. The Durham Regional Forest Trails loop from Main Clearing is also a popular circular option.
Where can I park when visiting Durham Regional Forest for cycling?
Many of the routes, such as the Glen Major Forest loops, start and end at public parking areas, making access convenient for cyclists. The Main Clearing is another common starting point with parking facilities.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the no-traffic cycling routes?
While the forest itself is natural, the broader Durham Region, particularly charming hamlets like Uxbridge, offers amenities such as local eateries and even 'butter tart stops' along various cycling routes. You'll find options for refreshments and meals within a short distance from the trailheads.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Durham Regional Forest?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling. The diverse landscapes are particularly beautiful during these seasons. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary, and specific trail maintenance for cycling might be limited.
Are dogs allowed on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Durham Regional Forest is generally dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations and signage for any restrictions, especially regarding leash requirements, to ensure a pleasant experience for all users.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I see along the routes?
As you cycle through Durham Regional Forest, you'll experience diverse landscapes including mature plantation forests, natural hardwood areas, and rolling topography characteristic of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Unique historic blow sands are also a feature within the forest. The extensive trail network itself is a key feature, connecting to major systems like the Trans Canada Trail.
Most popular routes in Durham Regional Forest
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