South March Highlands Conservation Forest — Attraction in Ottawa

The trails are very adequate for hiking and dog walking, however not as much for the initial audience (cyclists) anymore. Over the past decade of riding them, the soil has packed down and there has simply been a lot of erosion. The trail has always been listed as fast and technical on the OMBA website, but the fast sections are very few and far between now as every root and rock is exposed. I'd be interested to find any cyclist who enjoys Rockhopper in its current state as I can only find hikers on this section now. Frankly the trail network has limited the audience to only those that would run the advanced trail. This isn't productive in encouraging newer riders to visit or encourage volunteer support. Even the easy sections of the trail are simply a teeth chattering experience. Other trail users that we passed shared the same thoughts. Unfortunately, this opinion was brought to the attention of the OMBA president and was shrugged off. It's sad to see a trail so close to home fall...

Great place for mountain biking and trail running. The expert trails are sure to challenge you as a cyclist and as a runner. I recommend taking a picture of the map of Klondike Road and bring a GPS or use the Strava app to ensure you don't lose your bearings. The trails are marked but there are multiple offshoots especially on the expert trails. As a runner, this is the only place I run but bring mosquito spray if you plan to stop. Listen for oncoming bikes and give them the right of way, as a lot of experienced riders use these trails and can be as fast as lightning. Keep in mind, these are mountain bike trails and the Ottawa Mountain Biking Association maintains the trails. Check out their website and you can get a copy of the trail map. If you run or bike alone make sure someone knows where you are and the estimated time you...

My friend and I visited this place for the first time this week and it's a really lovely area for a walk in the bush, especially in the fall. We walked the shortest loop, which was around 3KM long and fairly easy (we are seniors!). There are a few other, longer and more challenging options there as well. Lots of large and colourful second-growth trees and swampy bush. The trails are reasonably clear in most places, but some spots it was hard to see where to go. There were trail markers, but only at intersections. Sections through the most swampy areas are either boardwalk, or large stones laid in a path. A very enjoyable...