Over the Loon
By the Numbers
Distance: 380 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 4500 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 65%/35%
Non-pavement surfaces are in the form of gravel roads, unmaintained roads, forest doubletrack, and rail trail
Over the Loon is a bold bikepacking route in central Ontario. A playground of dirt riding in a flat-out gorgeous landscape riddled with copious forest and lake views. From Haliburton County to Kingscote Lake to the Madawaska River to the vast Haliburton Wildlife Reserve, this is a journey that celebrates the ruggedness and wildness of the land. Spend a night or two, and you'll be serenaded by the loon.
To obtain the detailed route file, go here.
Highlights Include:
A trip through the vast gravel playground of the Haliburton Forest Reserve.
A chance to forest bathe in the Barnum Creek Nature Reserve.
A good chance to witness local wildlife, including moose, bear and beaver.
All the backcountry-style riding you can handle.
A fun cruise along the Old Railway Trail in Algonquin Park.
An opportunity to spend nights camping alongside tranquil lakes listening to the haunting calls of the loon.
Dozens of beautiful dirt riding miles through the southern entrance of Algonquin Provincial Park. A side of the vast park that very few others will see.
Hamlets like Wilberforce, Eagle Lake, and Whitney provide plenty of small town charm.
Cool off by taking a dip in the picturesque Eagle Lake.
Trip Start
The launching point for the route is the town of Haliburton. But riders can start and finish at any other point along the route. The route is best completed in the direction plotted.
Difficulty
The Over the Loon route should be considered a fairly demanding route with a number of rugged sections and also a sizable amount of elevation gain. There is very little flat terrain to be found on this route. There are also some areas, notably the ride through the south of Algonquin and the trip in the Haliburton Forest where cell service is non-existent and self-sufficiency is key. For the most part, there are resupply and accommodation options at regular intervals along the route. The route files list numerous places to sleep and eat.
Trip Duration
It should take most riders between 3 to 4 days to complete the route. Over the Loon was designed to be a touring route and not a racing route. But nothing is stopping a keen endurance cyclist from gunning for a time goal and blasting through the route in a couple of days. Like most demanding bikepacking routes, it's best not to overestimate how fast you'll get through the ride.
When to Ride
The route can be enjoyed from May to October. Perhaps the ideal season for riding Over the Loon is late summer and fall when the peak of bug season has passed. Deer flies can be especially problematic in various parts of the route in June and July, and even into August. Some seasons are worse than others. Fall can bring a riot of colours to the route.
What to Ride
Over the Loon was designed as bikepacking route with an emphasis on rugged terrain, so the recommended format is a drop bar bike with 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 45mm tires or larger for improved comfort. Skinny rubber will make the ride less fun, especially on the rougher, unmaintained road and rail trail sections that can be chunky in spots. Tires in the range of 1.9 to 2.4 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. A rigid or hardtail MTB would also be perfectly suitable for the route and a good option on some of the more rowdy stuff. Good gear ratios will make it easier to tackle the punchy inclines when loaded down with gear. You really can’t have enough gears for this route. Run tubeless if possible to mitigate the chances of flats in some of the rockier areas.
Tough Stuff
Depending on the time of year, bugs can be a serious nuisance, including the dreaded deer fly.
Bring your climbing legs, you’ll need them.
The summer months can bring steamy conditions, especially on some of the exposed roads and trails. Make sure to take appropriate precautions including carrying enough water to help beat the heat.
Some areas, particularly Algonquin Provincial Park, can experience heavy tourism during the summer months, so plan ahead if needed.
Occasionally, the route must veer onto paved roads with heavier traffic flow. Ride with awareness during these times.
Some sections of unmaintained roads and paths can be rough and require a greater degree of bike handling skills. Dismount and hike with your bike when needed.
Don’t expect universal cell service.
By necessity, the route involves a fairly long stretch on the main highway through Algonquin Park. However, the shoulder for this stretch of road is very generous.
Expect logging traffic on the southern dirt road in Algonquin.
Route Updates
The route will be updated as needed. However, if you ride the route and come across any route issues or services that I should know about, please contact me about this.
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.
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their well-being on the Over the Loon 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 Over the Loon 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 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.
If you enjoyed your time on the Over the Loon bikepacking route, consider making a donation to help support future route development. Building and maintaining these routes takes a huge amount of time and dedication. If you prefer not to use PayPal, other donation methods can be arranged, including e-transfer. Of course, no donation is required to ride this route.
