Hasty Highlander Bikepacking Route
The Hasty Highlander is a multi-day jaunt that traverses wildly variable countryside in Central Ontario including the greatest hits of Haliburton Highlands and Hastings County. Mainly using unsurfaced terrain, the adventure route traces 700 kilometres of rolling hills, hidden lakes, gritty rail trail and enticing backcountry gravel largely free of car traffic in favour of wildlife and picture-ready views. It all feels unspoiled and in many instances rugged. Not to be overlooked is that the Hasty Highlander is within easy striking distance of major hubs like Toronto and Ottawa.
A key feature of the Hasty Highlander is the use of an extensive network of trails including the Haliburton Country Rail Trail and the Great Trail that have been converted over from a once thriving railway that was used to support industries of years gone by. A surfeit of wilderness and local hospitality awaits any participant. Come and find out why this place was naturally made for bikepacking. Full of thrills and challenges for cyclists of all abilities. It is not designed to be the most gentle, direct or fastest route, but one that inspires a sense of two-wheel adventure, whilst providing eyesome scenery, rewarding riding, and plenty of memories.
By the Numbers
Distance: 708 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 7,500 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 80%/20%
Non-pavement surfaces are in the form of gravel roads, unmaintained roads, forest paths and rail trail.
See below for a lite version of this route with less mileage and elevation.
Highlights
Take a spin on a section of the Great Trail
A route punctuated by classic Ontario dense forest, idyllic backcountry lakes, meandering rivers and rugged Canadian Shield
A bounty of sleepy dirt and gravel roads that stretch across bucolic landscapes
Trent Severn Waterway – some of the locks even allow for camping
The path less pedaled into Algonquin Provincial Park. Established in 1893, Algonquin is Ontario's first provincial park and one of the oldest in the country
Ride on paths once used by locomotives during the regions industrial past
Historical trestle bridges including the fetching 200-metre long Doubes bridge
A collection of small towns and rural hamlets oozing with hospitable charm
A glide along the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge in Ferris Provincial Park
A chance to ride in the trail and gravel nirvana that is the Haliburton Forest – a 100,000 acre lake-studded outdoor amphitheater
Local breweries to raise a toast to a ride well done.
Iconic Ontario wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you spot beaver, deer, moose and maybe even bear. And fall asleep to the sound of howling coyotes (or the buzz of mosquitos)
Take advantage of an abundance of Crown Land to pitch your tent without another sole in sight.
Sections have a true north feel without being, well, too north
Navigation
The link below is the route file you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34787437
You can use this file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin and Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. These include accommodation and food options. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
To download the route to the mobile app, go to the BT 700 Route Library using this link (https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/8322-bt-700-bikepacking/routes?) and click on the Hasty Highlander route. From here, click on the Save tab at the bottom and choose Download for Offline. This will let you access the route while on course even when not connected to the web. Note: you can also download the route to Garmin devices using this method.
Additionally, in the route file map displayed on the top of this web page, you'll see a "send to device" tab on the top. Clicking this while using your mobile device will let you directly upload the route to the Ride with GPS app. More info on this process here.
If needed, here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
If downloading a .gpx file DO NOT click on ‘Reduce to 500 Points’. This will result in poor navigation. Here is some additional information on downloading the route to your navigation device.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is a tutorial on how to break up a route into two or more segments. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route.
If you run into issues downloading the route onto any of your devices or navigating it let me know and I can try to provide assistance.
Route Notes
Trip Start: The Hasty Highlander begins in the town of Lindsay, however there is no set start and finish point for the route. So riders can enter and exit the loop at any location that serves them best. Though it was designed purposefully to run in a counterclockwise direction, it is also possible to ride the route clockwise. However, many navigation devices will track the route better if following in the direction plotted. It's possible to obtain a multi-day parking permit in Lindsay using this form: https://kawartha.gtechna.net/permit-portal/index.xhtml
It is best to submit your request for parking at least 3 days in advance as it could take that long to get a permit (but I have obtained a permit for parking in Lindsay as soon as I submitted my car details.) There are a few other possible parking options listed on the route file including a landowner by Haliburton, but riders are responsible for securing their own parking and take responsibility for cars left anywhere overnight.
Difficulty: The nature of the route varies in different areas – from more rugged Highland terrain to less testy riding among open pastureland to sections of smooth or bumpy paths using disused railway line. Overall, the Hasty Highlander should not be considered an exceptionally hilly route but there is enough elevation here to get the heart pumping especially the section of the loop in the Haliburton Highlands and Haliburton Forest which kicks things up a notch with some testy inclines. Expect the terrain to be hard going at times and you’ll want your climbing legs. The section of trail between Marmora and Bancroft tends to flood most easily and at anytime of year there can be standing water on some of the backcountry gravel/dirt roads. During dry periods, there can be sections of the route that are particularly sandy that may make for some slow going. ATV use on some sections of the route can rough things up. With that said, none of the roads or trails require expert off-road riding skills. Overall, the Hasty Highlander can be considered an intermediate adventure route, but also a good introduction to multi-day bikepacking. Remember, the degree of difficulty can also come down to how fast you are riding the route. A more casual touring pace is likely not as arduous as a go-fast-as-I-can pace.
Here is some additional information about the route difficulty.
Cycling Tips put together this excellent grading system based on riding surfaces and it can be said that the Hasty Highlander wanders predominantly between Grade 2 and Grade 4.
Trip Length: Full of sights that should refused to be rushed, the ride is best spread across four or more days, especially if riding the optional sections. But nothing is stopping a keen endurance cyclist from gunning for a time goal. Your physical condition, time goals and schedule will determine the pace. Those who are really ambitious will combine the Hasty Highlander with other bikepacking routes in Ontario in what is called the ONXL. The Hasty Highlander combines very well with the Log Drivers Waltz route for a stunning 1,600 kilometer journey.
There is also the option or riding the shorter Hasty Highlander Lite route. See below for details.
When to Ride: The recommended time of year for this ride is after the spring thaw and before the snow fly’s later in the season. Therefore, mid-May through October or so. Expect to be pestered by bugs, particularly between May and July, and the hottest riding conditions typically occur in July and August. Perhaps the best time to tackle the Hasty Highlander are the months of August and September. Bugs will less likely to be out in full force and as a rule of thumb some sections of the trail will be less swampy. Mid-September to mid-October can offer a superlative burst of autumn colour. However, riders do report enjoying the route earlier in the season as well, but maybe with a bigger supply of bug spray.
Services: For the most part there are sufficient resupply opportunities available along the route in the form of larger supermarkets, general stores, gas station, cafes and bakeries. However, in a few cases riders will need to be more self-sufficient in terms of food and water including the northern terminus through the Haliburton Forest, the ride into Algonquin and the lake loop east of Bancroft. There are also likely sections where mobile service will be spotty.
Numerous resupply options are marked on the map file, though they sometimes require a short detour off the course. Again, the master route file can help you plan accordingly. Bear in mind that some eating establishments are closed during various days of the week, so it’s a good idea to confirm operating hours if counting on a particular place to refuel. Some riders will find it helpful to bring along a water filter to take advantage of natural sources like streams. Water that is not sourced from municipal water supplies should be filtered.
If you live on or near the route and would like to be a 'trail angel' by providing tenting space for riders, water bottle refill etc. please let me know. This is a great way to build up the bikepacking community and improve rider experiences on the route.
When riding through the Haliburton Forest riders should purchase a $16 pass to ride on this vast private property. You can do so at the main office upon arrival or online here: https://www.haliburtonforest.com/book-online/book-property-day-pass/
Riders may also want to spend a day here exploring the large network of backcountry roads and forest trails. Here is a map of the Haliburton Forest with roads and trails. The campsites in this forest reserve do tend to book up fast, particularly the ones on MacDonald Lake and Wolf Lake, so riders should consider reserving sites before arrival. However, there are other sites including Minna Lake that are less popular.
Riders should also purchase a park permit for Algonquin Provincial Park. This can be obtained at the Visitor Centre at the 407km mark of the route or at Kingscote Lake Access Point/campground if taking the alternative route through the south end of the park.
Overnight Pit Stops: The Hasty Highlander has been designed so that there is accommodation at fairly frequent intervals along the entire route in the form of paid campgrounds, wild camping, camping at the Trent-Severn lock stations, B&B’s, Warmshowers, Airbnb, and motels. Larger towns including Haliburton, Lindsay and Peterborough will have more lodging options. Sleeping on the ground is not a requirement for a bikepacking adventure. During busy times such as holiday weekends it is advisable to book ahead. The master Ride with GPS route file lists the vast majority of accommodation options along the HH route. Hipcamp can also be a good resource for finding somewhere to pitch your tent. There are also a few areas of crown land highlighted on the route file where Canadian residents can camp for free with the stipulation of leaving no trace. This map (https://www.ontario.ca/page/crown-land-use-policy-atlas) can help you identify areas of crown land in Ontario. If “wild” camping please respect any no trespassing signs.
What Bike?
The Hasty Highlander can be tackled on a drop bar bike with 700c, 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 40mm tires or larger for improved comfort in sandy, rocky or flooded sections. Tires narrower than 38mm would probably make the ride less fun, especially on the rougher rail trail and dirt road sections. Tires in the range of 2.1 to 2.3 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. A rigid or hardtail MTB would be also be perfectly suitable for the route and a good option on some of the rougher stuff. There have been riders who have also completed large portions of the route on big plus size tire set-ups, but in many cases this is overkill. It’s recommended to use a bike with gear ratios that allow for riding testy inclines while loaded down with gear. Run tubeless if possible. You can use bikepacking style bags or old-fashioned panniers. A lighter set-up allows of easier riding, especially in the hillier sections.
Here is some additional information from bikepacking.com about gear selection for your bike including what some of the top guns bring along.
Route Options: I encourage riders to attempt the route as plotted for the ultimate Hasty Highlander experience, but several detour options are available on the route and listed with a Control Point of Interest on the master route file. These include options to spend more (or less) time on rail trail. There are a handful of sections along the route that veer off the rail trail and onto some excellent undulating gravel roads that see very little vehicular traffic. This is done with the purpose of adding variety to the overall terrain – rail trails can be predictable to a fault. The Hastings Heritage Trail between Marmora and Bancroft is notorious for being rutted and sandy so this route bypasses many of these sections for better gravel/dirt road alternatives.
It is a rider’s responsibility to know where detour options are located and making use of them as needed. At no time are you required to stick to the route 100 percent of the time.
There are two options for riding through the southern part of Algonquin park to Whitney. The first is what is plotted which involves some forest two-track riding and a stream crossing that can be off variable deepness depending on the season and past rainfall. Overall a fun, backcountry ride. Or riders can take this option to Whitney which involves more traditional gravel road riding and is not as remote: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36306233
If you want a shorter ride through Algonquin (and shorter trip overall), here is a route option that does a dirt/gravel loop in the southern part of the park and then takes you to Haliburton via some of the Hasty Highlander Lite ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36642888
Supported Tours: Riders who wish to travel lighter on the Hasty Highlander can now take advantage of supported tours offered by Ghost Gravel. Click here for details.
Hasty Highlander Lite
Not ready to tackle the whole route. Then it is possible to ride a paired down version of the Hasty Highlander. The lite route is up to 511 kilometers long by avoiding the loop through Algonquin and Haliburton Forest. However, the ride between Bancroft and Haliburton is excellent.
Here is the route file with the Points of Interest: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720330
Route Development: A special thanks to Haliburton-based rider Thom Lambert who lent his local expertise on locating some of the best gravel roads and dirt paths that populate the Hasty Highlander. Also, the original motivation to dig into the bikepacking potential of this region of Ontario came courtesy of the COLT route developed by Miles Arbour which can be found on bikepacking.com
If interested in tackling the Hasty Highlander but have additional questions send me a message using the contact form and I will happily supply any added information you may need.
If you are active on social media, please tag us in any posts/stories about your ride. @bt700bikpacking Hashtags: #hastyhighlander
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their own well-being on the Hasty Highlander route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the Hasty Highlander route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your own safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.
A key feature of the Hasty Highlander is the use of an extensive network of trails including the Haliburton Country Rail Trail and the Great Trail that have been converted over from a once thriving railway that was used to support industries of years gone by. A surfeit of wilderness and local hospitality awaits any participant. Come and find out why this place was naturally made for bikepacking. Full of thrills and challenges for cyclists of all abilities. It is not designed to be the most gentle, direct or fastest route, but one that inspires a sense of two-wheel adventure, whilst providing eyesome scenery, rewarding riding, and plenty of memories.
By the Numbers
Distance: 708 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 7,500 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 80%/20%
Non-pavement surfaces are in the form of gravel roads, unmaintained roads, forest paths and rail trail.
See below for a lite version of this route with less mileage and elevation.
Highlights
Take a spin on a section of the Great Trail
A route punctuated by classic Ontario dense forest, idyllic backcountry lakes, meandering rivers and rugged Canadian Shield
A bounty of sleepy dirt and gravel roads that stretch across bucolic landscapes
Trent Severn Waterway – some of the locks even allow for camping
The path less pedaled into Algonquin Provincial Park. Established in 1893, Algonquin is Ontario's first provincial park and one of the oldest in the country
Ride on paths once used by locomotives during the regions industrial past
Historical trestle bridges including the fetching 200-metre long Doubes bridge
A collection of small towns and rural hamlets oozing with hospitable charm
A glide along the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge in Ferris Provincial Park
A chance to ride in the trail and gravel nirvana that is the Haliburton Forest – a 100,000 acre lake-studded outdoor amphitheater
Local breweries to raise a toast to a ride well done.
Iconic Ontario wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you spot beaver, deer, moose and maybe even bear. And fall asleep to the sound of howling coyotes (or the buzz of mosquitos)
Take advantage of an abundance of Crown Land to pitch your tent without another sole in sight.
Sections have a true north feel without being, well, too north
Navigation
The link below is the route file you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34787437
You can use this file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin and Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. These include accommodation and food options. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
To download the route to the mobile app, go to the BT 700 Route Library using this link (https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/8322-bt-700-bikepacking/routes?) and click on the Hasty Highlander route. From here, click on the Save tab at the bottom and choose Download for Offline. This will let you access the route while on course even when not connected to the web. Note: you can also download the route to Garmin devices using this method.
Additionally, in the route file map displayed on the top of this web page, you'll see a "send to device" tab on the top. Clicking this while using your mobile device will let you directly upload the route to the Ride with GPS app. More info on this process here.
If needed, here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
If downloading a .gpx file DO NOT click on ‘Reduce to 500 Points’. This will result in poor navigation. Here is some additional information on downloading the route to your navigation device.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is a tutorial on how to break up a route into two or more segments. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route.
If you run into issues downloading the route onto any of your devices or navigating it let me know and I can try to provide assistance.
Route Notes
Trip Start: The Hasty Highlander begins in the town of Lindsay, however there is no set start and finish point for the route. So riders can enter and exit the loop at any location that serves them best. Though it was designed purposefully to run in a counterclockwise direction, it is also possible to ride the route clockwise. However, many navigation devices will track the route better if following in the direction plotted. It's possible to obtain a multi-day parking permit in Lindsay using this form: https://kawartha.gtechna.net/permit-portal/index.xhtml
It is best to submit your request for parking at least 3 days in advance as it could take that long to get a permit (but I have obtained a permit for parking in Lindsay as soon as I submitted my car details.) There are a few other possible parking options listed on the route file including a landowner by Haliburton, but riders are responsible for securing their own parking and take responsibility for cars left anywhere overnight.
Difficulty: The nature of the route varies in different areas – from more rugged Highland terrain to less testy riding among open pastureland to sections of smooth or bumpy paths using disused railway line. Overall, the Hasty Highlander should not be considered an exceptionally hilly route but there is enough elevation here to get the heart pumping especially the section of the loop in the Haliburton Highlands and Haliburton Forest which kicks things up a notch with some testy inclines. Expect the terrain to be hard going at times and you’ll want your climbing legs. The section of trail between Marmora and Bancroft tends to flood most easily and at anytime of year there can be standing water on some of the backcountry gravel/dirt roads. During dry periods, there can be sections of the route that are particularly sandy that may make for some slow going. ATV use on some sections of the route can rough things up. With that said, none of the roads or trails require expert off-road riding skills. Overall, the Hasty Highlander can be considered an intermediate adventure route, but also a good introduction to multi-day bikepacking. Remember, the degree of difficulty can also come down to how fast you are riding the route. A more casual touring pace is likely not as arduous as a go-fast-as-I-can pace.
Here is some additional information about the route difficulty.
Cycling Tips put together this excellent grading system based on riding surfaces and it can be said that the Hasty Highlander wanders predominantly between Grade 2 and Grade 4.
Trip Length: Full of sights that should refused to be rushed, the ride is best spread across four or more days, especially if riding the optional sections. But nothing is stopping a keen endurance cyclist from gunning for a time goal. Your physical condition, time goals and schedule will determine the pace. Those who are really ambitious will combine the Hasty Highlander with other bikepacking routes in Ontario in what is called the ONXL. The Hasty Highlander combines very well with the Log Drivers Waltz route for a stunning 1,600 kilometer journey.
There is also the option or riding the shorter Hasty Highlander Lite route. See below for details.
When to Ride: The recommended time of year for this ride is after the spring thaw and before the snow fly’s later in the season. Therefore, mid-May through October or so. Expect to be pestered by bugs, particularly between May and July, and the hottest riding conditions typically occur in July and August. Perhaps the best time to tackle the Hasty Highlander are the months of August and September. Bugs will less likely to be out in full force and as a rule of thumb some sections of the trail will be less swampy. Mid-September to mid-October can offer a superlative burst of autumn colour. However, riders do report enjoying the route earlier in the season as well, but maybe with a bigger supply of bug spray.
Services: For the most part there are sufficient resupply opportunities available along the route in the form of larger supermarkets, general stores, gas station, cafes and bakeries. However, in a few cases riders will need to be more self-sufficient in terms of food and water including the northern terminus through the Haliburton Forest, the ride into Algonquin and the lake loop east of Bancroft. There are also likely sections where mobile service will be spotty.
Numerous resupply options are marked on the map file, though they sometimes require a short detour off the course. Again, the master route file can help you plan accordingly. Bear in mind that some eating establishments are closed during various days of the week, so it’s a good idea to confirm operating hours if counting on a particular place to refuel. Some riders will find it helpful to bring along a water filter to take advantage of natural sources like streams. Water that is not sourced from municipal water supplies should be filtered.
If you live on or near the route and would like to be a 'trail angel' by providing tenting space for riders, water bottle refill etc. please let me know. This is a great way to build up the bikepacking community and improve rider experiences on the route.
When riding through the Haliburton Forest riders should purchase a $16 pass to ride on this vast private property. You can do so at the main office upon arrival or online here: https://www.haliburtonforest.com/book-online/book-property-day-pass/
Riders may also want to spend a day here exploring the large network of backcountry roads and forest trails. Here is a map of the Haliburton Forest with roads and trails. The campsites in this forest reserve do tend to book up fast, particularly the ones on MacDonald Lake and Wolf Lake, so riders should consider reserving sites before arrival. However, there are other sites including Minna Lake that are less popular.
Riders should also purchase a park permit for Algonquin Provincial Park. This can be obtained at the Visitor Centre at the 407km mark of the route or at Kingscote Lake Access Point/campground if taking the alternative route through the south end of the park.
Overnight Pit Stops: The Hasty Highlander has been designed so that there is accommodation at fairly frequent intervals along the entire route in the form of paid campgrounds, wild camping, camping at the Trent-Severn lock stations, B&B’s, Warmshowers, Airbnb, and motels. Larger towns including Haliburton, Lindsay and Peterborough will have more lodging options. Sleeping on the ground is not a requirement for a bikepacking adventure. During busy times such as holiday weekends it is advisable to book ahead. The master Ride with GPS route file lists the vast majority of accommodation options along the HH route. Hipcamp can also be a good resource for finding somewhere to pitch your tent. There are also a few areas of crown land highlighted on the route file where Canadian residents can camp for free with the stipulation of leaving no trace. This map (https://www.ontario.ca/page/crown-land-use-policy-atlas) can help you identify areas of crown land in Ontario. If “wild” camping please respect any no trespassing signs.
What Bike?
The Hasty Highlander can be tackled on a drop bar bike with 700c, 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 40mm tires or larger for improved comfort in sandy, rocky or flooded sections. Tires narrower than 38mm would probably make the ride less fun, especially on the rougher rail trail and dirt road sections. Tires in the range of 2.1 to 2.3 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. A rigid or hardtail MTB would be also be perfectly suitable for the route and a good option on some of the rougher stuff. There have been riders who have also completed large portions of the route on big plus size tire set-ups, but in many cases this is overkill. It’s recommended to use a bike with gear ratios that allow for riding testy inclines while loaded down with gear. Run tubeless if possible. You can use bikepacking style bags or old-fashioned panniers. A lighter set-up allows of easier riding, especially in the hillier sections.
Here is some additional information from bikepacking.com about gear selection for your bike including what some of the top guns bring along.
Route Options: I encourage riders to attempt the route as plotted for the ultimate Hasty Highlander experience, but several detour options are available on the route and listed with a Control Point of Interest on the master route file. These include options to spend more (or less) time on rail trail. There are a handful of sections along the route that veer off the rail trail and onto some excellent undulating gravel roads that see very little vehicular traffic. This is done with the purpose of adding variety to the overall terrain – rail trails can be predictable to a fault. The Hastings Heritage Trail between Marmora and Bancroft is notorious for being rutted and sandy so this route bypasses many of these sections for better gravel/dirt road alternatives.
It is a rider’s responsibility to know where detour options are located and making use of them as needed. At no time are you required to stick to the route 100 percent of the time.
There are two options for riding through the southern part of Algonquin park to Whitney. The first is what is plotted which involves some forest two-track riding and a stream crossing that can be off variable deepness depending on the season and past rainfall. Overall a fun, backcountry ride. Or riders can take this option to Whitney which involves more traditional gravel road riding and is not as remote: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36306233
If you want a shorter ride through Algonquin (and shorter trip overall), here is a route option that does a dirt/gravel loop in the southern part of the park and then takes you to Haliburton via some of the Hasty Highlander Lite ride: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36642888
Supported Tours: Riders who wish to travel lighter on the Hasty Highlander can now take advantage of supported tours offered by Ghost Gravel. Click here for details.
Hasty Highlander Lite
Not ready to tackle the whole route. Then it is possible to ride a paired down version of the Hasty Highlander. The lite route is up to 511 kilometers long by avoiding the loop through Algonquin and Haliburton Forest. However, the ride between Bancroft and Haliburton is excellent.
Here is the route file with the Points of Interest: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720330
Route Development: A special thanks to Haliburton-based rider Thom Lambert who lent his local expertise on locating some of the best gravel roads and dirt paths that populate the Hasty Highlander. Also, the original motivation to dig into the bikepacking potential of this region of Ontario came courtesy of the COLT route developed by Miles Arbour which can be found on bikepacking.com
If interested in tackling the Hasty Highlander but have additional questions send me a message using the contact form and I will happily supply any added information you may need.
If you are active on social media, please tag us in any posts/stories about your ride. @bt700bikpacking Hashtags: #hastyhighlander
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their own well-being on the Hasty Highlander route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the Hasty Highlander route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your own safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.