West Rocks (30-minute drive)

The 222-acre West Rocks Management Area in Owen Sound offers some great trail riding with sections for all levels of rider. You’ll discover an upland hardwood forest blanketed in a variety of fern species. Every so often, the escarpment emerges from the forest affording great views of the surrounding area. And as the riders who created the video below point out on their tour of the trails, “one very interesting (and quite scary feature) is the huge cracks in the rock base of the escarpment. These cracks range from just a few inches to almost two feet wide and can appear bottomless.”

There’s access at points off 7th Avenue West near 8th Street, near the end of 9th Street W, and at the parking lot north of the 5th Concession Georgian Bluffs north of Grey Road 5.

Harrison Park/Inglis (30 minutes)

While you’re in Owen Sound, check out the trails at Harrison Park and Inglis Falls. Areas of the trail system are open to cyclists, but please watch for hikers. Beginning at Harrison Park, ride up along the Sydenham River until you reach scenic Inglis Falls – a perfect spot for a mid-ride snack or picnic. Then it’s time to enjoy the mainly downhill ride back to the Park.