There’s a version of mountain biking in Ontario that we grew up on: rolling terrain, sandy soil, XC-style loops. And then there’s Huntsville. If BRMC opened our eyes to what Shield riding could feel like, the trails at Hidden Valley and Deerhurst turned the volume all the way up. This is Ontario riding with real elevation, real rock, and real consequences — and it’s hosting Canadian Enduro League races because the terrain earned it.
Muskoka is defined by its geology: 1,600 lakes carved by glaciers, ancient exposed granite everywhere you look, and the kind of vertical relief that just doesn’t exist south of Barrie. The Huntsville Mountain Bike Association — HMBA — has taken full advantage. What they’ve built here is exceptional.
What You’re Actually Riding
The HMBA network is spread across a few different properties around Huntsville, but the flagship is the connected trail system at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and the adjoining Deerhurst Resort. There are roughly 8 kilometres of trails at Hidden Valley (open to the public) and another 12 kilometres over at Deerhurst (for HMBA members and Deerhurst guests only). Combined, you get a network that takes a strong rider two to three hours to complete once, with enough variety that you’ll want to session multiple laps of your favourites.
The terrain is Muskoka at its best. More elevation than most Ontario trail systems. Exposed granite features. Natural rocky sections. Trails that make full use of the geography rather than fighting it. There are green trails that will still surprise a beginner with a rocky section here and there — you’re on the Shield, and there’s no way around that — but the difficulty ramps progressively, and the HMBA has built the network to grow with you.
This is the kind of riding that makes flatland Ontario riders come home with a list of skills they want to work on. In the best possible way.
Who It’s For
Confident intermediates and up: Even the green trails have rocky sections. If you’re new to riding, work up to Huntsville — start at BRMC north lot or somewhere with sandier soil and less exposure.
Riders looking to level up: Huntsville is one of the best trail systems in Ontario for pushing your technical skills. Rocky terrain, punchy climbs, natural features that make you commit.
Gravity and enduro riders: Hidden Valley hosts Canadian Enduro League races. Enough said. The Deerhurst side adds even more descending options for members.
Weekend trippers: This is a destination ride. Two days here plus a stop at BRMC on either end makes a legendary Muskoka weekend.
A Few Trails to Build a Day Around
No Man’s Land: One of the highest-rated trails in the system. A great sense of what Huntsville riding is about.
The green HV loops: The intro to the system. Warm up here, get a feel for the terrain, then push into the blues.
The blue loop from Hidden Valley: A great mid-day sampler that hits the best blue trails at both Hidden Valley and Deerhurst.
Lance’s Loops (HMBA members only): A separate property with its own character. Worth joining HMBA to unlock.
Echo Valley (east of town): The other HMBA-managed system, east of Huntsville off Highway 60. Single and double track, plus a small pump track. Donation-based access.
Plan Your Trip
Where to park: 1655 Hidden Valley Road, at the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area lodge. Additional lower lot is available. This is your main trailhead.
Cost: Hidden Valley trails are open to the public. Deerhurst trails require an HMBA membership or a Deerhurst day pass. HMBA membership (around $40/year) unlocks Deerhurst, Lance’s Loops, group rides, and race entries. Check current pricing at huntsvillemountainbike.ca before you go.
When to ride: Hidden Valley trails close November 1st through May 1st every year — this is a critical part of the agreement with the ski resort, and MTBers respect it. Deerhurst remains open as conditions allow.
Group rides and events: HMBA runs a Thursday-night race series, Tuesday-night group rides, and kids’ skills nights. Great way to plug into the local scene.
Bring: Full pads if you have them, especially for the more technical trails. Helmet mandatory. Enough tire pressure for granite — a bit higher than you might use elsewhere.
Drive time: About 2.5 hours from Toronto. Pair with BRMC to make a full weekend.
Make It a Bikes and Beers Day
Huntsville is one of Muskoka’s best small towns for post-ride. The downtown is compact, walkable, and full of good food. Canvas Brewing is right in town with a great rooftop patio and Muskoka Brewery is in Bracebridge (30 minutes south) and is well worth the detour. Arrowhead Provincial Park is 15 minutes north if you want to swim after your ride. And if you’re staying overnight, Deerhurst Resort itself has multiple restaurants and lakeside patios.
Huntsville has become one of our must-visit destinations every summer. If you want to ride real Shield terrain with a crew who knows the trails, watch for our next Muskoka weekend. Two days, two systems, an appropriate number of pints in between.