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Old Railway Bike Trail
Description
The Old Railway Bike Trail is a leisurely family bicycle trail during spring, summer and fall. During the winter, the trail is a multi-purpose winter recreation trail. For most of its 16 kilometre distance the trail follows the abandoned bed of the historic Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway, opened in 1896 and decommissioned in 1959. The Old Railway Bike Trail runs from Rock Lake Campground to near Cache Lake.
Length
16 km (one way)
Location
Access to the Old Railway Bike Trail is available from:
- Mew Lake Campground
- Kearney Lake Campground
- Pog Lake Campground
- Raccoon Lake Campground
- Rock Lake Campground
During the winter, the Old Railway Trail is best accessed via the Mew Lake Campground near the heated comfort station.
Operating Dates
The Old Railway Trail is open for bicycling during snow-free times of the year, with the exception of fat biking during the winter (see below).
During the winter months, the trail is groomed and trackset for nordic (cross-country skiing) as staff time permits. The trail can also be used to snowshoe, fat bike, bird watch, winter camp, skijoring (skiing while pulled by dogs), plus individuals or groups pulling toboggans and sleighs. Non-skiers should not disturb the tracksetting for skiers. See the current conditions.
Difficulty Rating & Rationale
Easy. This is Algonquin Park's easiest bike trail suitable for families including children. The surface is level and hard packed having been a section of the now decommissioned Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway.
In winter, the Old Railway Trail is a great location for novice skiing because of its relatively level surface.
Theme
Several interpretive panels along the route explain Algonquin's history.
Features & Amenities
- Parking
- Bicycle rentals at the Two Rivers Store
Trail Map
Click to enlarge the Old Railway Bike Trail Map below.
Rules and Regulations
Protecting Visitors
Equipment Rental
Fees
A valid Park permit is required for trail use.
Related Information
Nearby Attractions
- Mew Lake Campground
- Kearney Lake Campground
- Raccoon Lake Campground
- Pog Lake Campground
- Rock Lake Campground
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