The best gravel rides in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)
4.0
(21)
140
riders
7
rides
Gravel biking in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial) offers access to a diverse landscape within the Greater Toronto Area. The park features an extensive network of trails that traverse deep woods, open fields, meadows, and wetlands. Riders can explore varied terrains including sections with packed gravel, winding paths, and areas alongside the Rouge River. This environment provides a dynamic backdrop for gravel biking, ranging from flat agricultural lands to areas with gentle elevation changes.
Best gravel bike trails in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Glen Major Forest Trails – Trans Canada Trail Singletrack loop from Mount Joy, a 41.1 miles (66.2 km) trail that takes 4 hours 22 minutes to complete. This moderate route features significant elevation gain through varied forest and singletrack sections.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Gravel loop from Markham—Stouffville, a moderate 23.7 miles (38.1 km) path. This route offers a mix of open fields and wooded areas, with a total ascent of over 650 feet (200 meters).
- Local gravel bikers also love the Gravel loop from Mount Joy, a 15.5 miles (25.0 km) trail leading through a mix of natural landscapes and quiet roads, often completed in about 1 hour 21 minutes.
- Gravel biking in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial) is defined by deep woods, open fields, and wetlands, including sections of the Rouge River. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more moderate routes with greater distances and elevation.
- The routes in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial) are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 from over 10 reviews. More than 100 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)'s varied terrain.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
1.0
(2)
23
riders
Easy gravel ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.8
(4)
25
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4
riders
64.5km
04:16
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.7
(6)
8
riders
24.9km
01:21
120m
120m
Easy gravel ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
19
riders
19.2km
01:11
70m
70m
Easy gravel ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Popular around Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)
Tips from the Community
The entirety of the Rouge National Park Trail spans just over 70 kilometres, and the Major MacKenzie Section is 6.8 kilometres, stretching from 16th Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive East, both locations having a parking area and trailhead. The other sections include Northeast Trail, Central Trail, Monarch Trail and the Harvest Trail. This section is flat with wide open views of forests, farm land, and small waterways. The trail is made of gravel and has little shade, so come prepared with sun protection.
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The Major Mackenzie Parking Lot and Road Crossing is a well-maintained parking area and access to the Rouge National Urban Park Trail. The parking lot is paved and has a safe pedestrian crossing with its own designated stop light for crossings. Just a few metres north from the Major Mackenzie Parking Lot and Road Crossing is a small scenic pond. The Rouge National Park Trail skirts the pond with a well-maintained wooden boardwalk.
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This wooden pedestrian and cycle bridge spans an offshoot of Little Rouge Creek. It is a great bridge to spot some wildlife while crossing.
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This trailhead is located in the small community of Altona and provides access to the northern and southern sections of the Rouge National Urban Park Trail. From here, you can head east a few steps along Uxbridge-Pickering Townline Road to connect with the trail north toward Glasgow or head south to Black Walnut Day Use Area.
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Rouge National Urban Park Trail is an easy, beautiful multi-use route through one of Canada’s most diverse protected landscapes, connecting forests, wetlands, meadows, and working farmland. It’s a well-maintained path with a few boardwalks that cross creeks and pass restored natural areas, with excellent opportunities to spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife. It’s a great way to experience the unique mix of nature and active farmland that makes Rouge National Urban Park unlike any other national park.
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Black Walnut Day Use Area is a hub for access to several trails in Rouge National Urban Park. There is ample free parking, washrooms, water refill stations, picnic areas, and trail information, making it a convenient place to start and end your journey. From here, you can explore trails through restored wetlands, forests, and the park’s historic agricultural landscape.
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Austin Drive Park has two stormwater ponds that collect the excess rainwater that flows into the river. This reduces erosion and the amount of sediment flowing into the river during storm events. The pond is great to just sit and enjoy, especially the songbirds. You can listen to goldfinches, cardinals, and sparrows.
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The Milne Dam creates the Milne Reservoir and helps protect communities downstream of the Rogue River from flooding. Originally associated with the Milne family mills established in the 1820s, this site later became home to Canada’s first concrete-and-steel arch dam, built by Archie Milne in 1911, before the current structure was rebuilt in 1969 after severe damage from Hurricane Hazel. Today, it remains a defining feature of the park and is a scenic focal point along the trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
There are over 7 gravel bike routes available in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial) on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 3 easy and 4 moderate options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
What types of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
The park offers a diverse range of terrains, from wide, nature-separated trails with 'nice tight packed gravel' to winding paths through deep woods and open fields. You'll encounter meadows, forests (including Carolinian ecosystems and White Cedar Savannahs), wetlands, and agricultural lands, often alongside the Rouge River. Some sections, like parts of the Monarch Trail, are paved.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
Yes, many of the gravel biking routes in the park are designed as loops. For example, you can explore the Gravel loop from Bill Hogarth Secondary School, which covers nearly 30 km, or the Gravel loop from Mount Joy, a 25 km ride through natural landscapes and quiet roads.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
The park is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to fall. Spring offers lush greenery, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary greatly with snow and ice, so it's always best to check local trail conditions before heading out.
Are there family-friendly gravel biking options in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
Yes, the park features several easy routes suitable for families. These trails often traverse relatively flat agricultural lands and well-maintained paths, providing a pleasant experience for riders of all ages. Look for routes designated as 'easy' on komoot for suitable options.
Can I bring my dog on the gravel bike trails in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
Rouge National Urban Park is generally dog-friendly, but specific rules apply. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and are typically permitted on designated trails. Always ensure you clean up after your pet. It's advisable to check the official Parks Canada website for the most current regulations regarding pets in the park.
What natural features and wildlife can I see along the gravel bike trails?
The park is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. You can expect to see diverse ecosystems including meadows, forests, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, coyotes, beavers, red foxes, and various bird species. The Rouge River and the expansive Rouge Marsh are prominent water features you might encounter.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
Rouge National Urban Park offers several parking areas. For the Bob Hunter Memorial section, access points often have dedicated parking lots. It's recommended to check the specific starting point of your chosen route on komoot or the official park website for the most convenient parking locations.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 18 reviews. Reviewers often praise the park's diverse landscapes, the quality of the packed gravel trails, and the unique experience of being immersed in nature within the Greater Toronto Area. The variety of routes, from easy loops to more challenging distances, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the gravel bike trails?
While the park itself is primarily natural, its urban location means there are cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the surrounding communities of Markham and Stouffville. You might find options a short ride away from various park access points, perfect for a post-ride refuel.
What are some longer, more challenging gravel bike routes in the park?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Glen Major Forest Trails – Trans Canada Trail Singletrack loop from Mount Joy is a moderate 66.2 km trail with significant elevation gain, taking over 4 hours to complete. Another moderate option is the Gravel loop from Markham—Stouffville, which covers 38.1 km with over 200 meters of ascent.
Can I access the park's gravel trails using public transport?
Rouge National Urban Park is accessible via public transport, though specific access points for gravel biking might require some planning. Toronto's TTC and GO Transit services connect to areas near the park. It's best to research the closest public transport stops to your desired trail access point and plan your route accordingly.
Most popular routes in Rouge National Urban Park (Bob Hunter Memorial)
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