The best cycling routes around South River

There are 5 touring cycling routes around South River listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences across the region's diverse landscapes.

The routes in South River feature varied terrain, including areas with mesas and parklands. You'll encounter a mix of paved roads, gravel paths, and some rugged bush trails, with moderate elevation changes, especially around natural features like Lake Bernard.

Yes, South River offers several easy routes. For instance, the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from The UPS Store is an easy 11.7 km ride. Another accessible option is the Boyd Park loop from Farmington, which is 10.1 km long with minimal elevation gain.

For a more moderate challenge, consider the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED, which covers 23.1 km with a notable elevation gain of 231 meters. The region also features routes like the Lake Bernard Cycle, a hilly 23.53 km ride suitable for gravel or mountain bikes.

The fall, particularly September and early October, is an excellent time for touring cycling in South River. The region's abundant hardwood trees, including maple and oak, provide stunning fall foliage, making for incredibly scenic rides like the Around Eagle Lake Loop.

While cycling, you can enjoy views of lakes such as Eagle Lake, Lake Bernard, and Loxton Lake. The region is also close to Mikisew Provincial Park and offers access to Algonquin Provincial Park. For a tranquil natural wonder, the South River Cascade features cascading waters over rugged rocks. The Laurier Tower Trail, though a hiking trail, offers breathtaking views over the Almaguin Highlands that cyclists might appreciate from nearby roads.

Most of the touring cycling routes listed for South River on komoot are loop trails, such as the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from OFF TRAIL TRAVEL PROHIBITED (24.7 km) or the Lehmer Lookout – Boyd Park loop from Starbucks (15.1 km). This makes planning easier as you typically finish where you started.

The touring cycling routes in South River are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of open and undulating paths, and the scenic beauty of the mesa and park areas.

South River is a smaller community, and public transport options directly to trailheads may be limited. It's generally recommended to plan for personal vehicle transport to reach the starting points of the touring cycling routes.

Parking availability will vary by specific trailhead. For routes starting from commercial areas, such as the Hood Mesa Trail System loop from The UPS Store, you might find parking nearby. For routes within park areas or more rural settings, look for designated parking lots or roadside pull-offs. Always check local signage for parking regulations.

South River village itself offers local amenities, including cafes and eateries, where you can refuel before or after your ride. It's advisable to plan your route to pass through or near the village for convenient access to food and drink.

Given the mix of paved and unpaved sections, including gravel roads and some bush trails, a touring bike with wider tires, a gravel bike, or even a mountain bike would be well-suited for many of the routes in South River. For purely paved sections, a road touring bike would suffice.