The best cycling routes around Kawartha Lakes

Komoot currently lists 4 touring cycling routes in Kawartha Lakes. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy loops to more moderate paths, catering to various skill levels.

The touring cycling routes in Kawartha Lakes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 18 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's extensive trail networks, varied scenery from lakeside views to rural farmlands, and the charming communities found along the way.

Yes, Kawartha Lakes offers routes suitable for beginners. An easy option is the London Street Bridge – View of the River loop from Peterborough, which is 18.0 km long. Another accessible route is the Ken Reid Conservation Area loop from Kawartha Lakes, a 14.9 km trail through a conservation area.

Kawartha Lakes offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You'll encounter a chain of connected rivers, lakes, and channels, including the historic Trent-Severn Waterway. The northern part features rugged Precambrian granitic rocks of the Canadian Shield, while the south has younger limestones and shales. Expect scenic backdrops of numerous lakes like Sturgeon Lake and Balsam Lake, alongside rural farmlands and forested areas.

Yes, many routes in Kawartha Lakes are designed as loops. For example, the Otonabee River Trestle Bridge – Rotary Greenway Trail Link loop from Peterborough is a moderate 37.0 km route. Another popular loop is the Doube's Trestle Bridge – Otonabee River Trestle Bridge loop from Omemee, covering 47.8 km with varied scenery.

The region is rich with points of interest. Along your rides, you might encounter the historic Doube's Trestle Bridge or the Trent-Severn Waterway Lock and Waterfall. The Victoria Rail Trail itself is a highlight, built on an abandoned railway line offering pleasant scenery. The charming community of Fenelon Falls also boasts a beautiful waterfall.

While the region is known for its extensive trail networks, Kawartha Lakes also offers varied on-road routes. The Kawartha Lakes Cycling Map details numerous routes like the Bexley Ramble, Carden Ramble, and Mariposa Route, which utilize wide paved shoulders or quiet rural roads, providing excellent options for road biking.

Many routes in Kawartha Lakes are accessible from various towns and communities, which often provide facilities and parks. For instance, routes starting from Peterborough or Omemee typically have convenient access points. The extensive trail networks, often built on old railroad routes, connect many communities, making access straightforward.

The best time for touring cycling in Kawartha Lakes is generally from spring through fall. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of the lakes, rivers, and forests is at its peak. The region's diverse landscapes, from glaciated terrain to numerous lakes, are particularly enjoyable when the weather is mild.

Absolutely. Kawartha Lakes is characterized by over 250 lakes and rivers, providing stunning backdrops for cycling. Many routes, such as the Bexley Ramble, offer beautiful lakeside terrain. The region's geography, with its chain of connected waterways, ensures that scenic lake views are a common and cherished feature of touring cycling here.

Yes, Kawartha Lakes features several conservation areas that offer excellent cycling opportunities. The Ken Reid Conservation Area loop from Kawartha Lakes is a prime example, leading you through protected diverse ecosystems. Other areas like Fleetwood Creek Natural Area and Somerville Tract also protect forests, meadows, and wetlands, providing scenic and engaging rides.

Yes, Kawartha Lakes is known for its extensive trail networks built on abandoned railway lines. The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, an old railroad route, stretches 54 km, with much of it being relatively flat. The Victoria Rail Trail, also built on an abandoned CN railroad, offers pleasant biking with great scenery, especially towards Fenelon Falls.