Welcome to KATVA Trails
KATVA trails are sought out by riders far and wide and of every skill level. We have everything for the beginner rider looking for an easy trail for sight-seeing to the more advanced rider looking for technical trails including mudholes and rock faces.
Your opportunities for riding on KATVA trails are extensive and varied. You can enjoy several trail systems encompassing more than 250 kilometres of trail. Some trails have historic connections having once served as railway beds stretching between communities, while other trails passing through dense forest were established more recently for the purpose of recreation.
Many trails offer riders breathtaking panoramas and vistas, including views of wide lakes and waterways, open meadows and deep valleys with rocky outcrops, rolling hills and untamed forests. The anchor trails are the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor (VRTC), Somerville Forest Tract, and Five Points Trail System, as well as special category trails. These trails vary greatly in both length and level of difficulty. Some trails are easily accessible from various communities and have multiple entry points, while others are more remote.
***NOTE*** As of September 16, 2023, Trail #50 in the 5-Points will be permanently closed at the request of one of the landowners.  The trail will be deleted from the online mapping found within Polaris Ride Command.  Future versions of the printed KATVA trail map will be updated and trail signage related to Trail 50 will be removed. The landowners are in the process of installing gates and cameras at both ends of the trail. All motorized users are asked to respect the landowner’s wishes and not attempt to enter this trail. Entering this trail after September 16, 2023 could result in trespass charges. The landowner has graciously agreed to allow us to use this trail once a year for our annual KATVA Poker Run. On behalf of the team at KATVA and our membership, we thank the landowners for the use of this amazing trail over the years.
Know Before You Go
Before using the trail systems, have a plan in place that includes telling someone where you’re going and expected time of return, carry a fully charged cell phone with you and dress appropriately for the forecasted weather. Always make sure your machine is in good working order with the proper equipment (such as a winch) for the trails you will be riding and a full tank of gas. NEVER RIDE ALONE.
All riders should be somewhat familiar with the trails and know where access points and parking facilities are located relative to your planned ride. Further, we encourage you to use navigational aids such as maps and gps coordinates. Consult with other club members to determine trail conditions in advance of your ride. The best way to get the most current trail conditions and up-to-date information is to join our Facebook Page: KAWARTHA ATV ASSOCIATION. If you are lost or in trouble call 911. NEVER RIDE ALONE.
You can expect to see members of our Trail Patrol team during your ride. They always patrol in tandem and you may see them with municipal bylaw enforcement. You will also likely encounter members of the OPP S.A.V.E. (Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement) Unit or other local OPP detachments.
If you are new to KATVA trails, you may want to join one of our scheduled club rides to familiarize yourself with trails in a particular area before riding on your own. It’s also a great way to meet other riders and expand your riding network.
All riders must possess a valid trail permit to ride on KATVA trails. All operators must be a minimum of 12 years old. All passengers must be a minimum of 8 years old.
Rider Responsibilities
- possess a valid permit while on KATVA trails
- possess a valid driver’s licence if operating on roads
- possess valid insurance
- display a valid plate on their machine
- abide by local bylaws and applicable provincial laws
- respect posted speed limits
- ride in a safe manner
- ride only on designated KATVA trails
- always respect landowners and private property
- respect the trail corridors and adjacent properties
- give way to non-motorized trail users
FOR MORE INFORMATION REFER TO
Victoria Rail Trail Corridor
The Victoria Rail Trail Corridor (VRTC) is an 85 km rail trail linking Kinmount to Bethany through Fenelon Falls and Lindsay. The VRTC is owned and administered by the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL). This scenic rail trail is divided into 3 sections for easy access and your riding pleasure.
Trail Guidelines
Trail rules are intended to promote harmonious, multiple use, recreational activities and will be enforced pursuant to City By-Laws governing use of the corridor. Violations should be reported to the City of Kawartha Lakes during normal office hours 1-888-822-2225 or to the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. While on the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor, a few basic rules apply:
- No motorized vehicles are allowed except as provided by City By-Law 2007-107.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Pedestrians have the right of way over all other users.
- The privacy and rights of abutting landowners must be respected.
- Do not litter or remove natural vegetation.
Overview
Non-Motorized Usage
Walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding
Motorized Usage
ATV and SXS use, snowmobiling
Open to ATVs
May 1 through November 30
7:00am – 9:30pm
Closed for the Season
December 1 through April 30
Trail Level
Beginner
Length
85 km from Bethany to Kinmount
Extending 33 km north to Haliburton
Services
The communities of Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Kinmount and Bethany as small tourist towns offer a variety of attractions and conveniences, including motels and restaurants.
Rules
- ATVs are not allowed in Lindsay. To get from the Central Section to the South Section – you must trailer your ATV. There is no road link in or through Lindsay.
- Off-road motorcycles are not allowed south of Burnt River.
All Road use is subject to the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990 Reg.316\03
Link https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/030316
North Section
Garnet Graham Lakeside Park, Fenelon Falls to Boundary Rd, Kinmount
Description
The North Corridor follows the former CN rail line north from Fenelon Falls to Kinmount. Stop for a picnic lunch at Island Park or view the falls at Trent-Severn Waterway Lock 34. The trail follows Cameron Lake and then the Burnt River leading into the Somerville Forest Tract which is heavily forested and perfect for bird watching and wildlife viewing. After leaving the forest, the trail heads north past the Crego Creek Bridge and into Kinmount. The Historic Austin Sawmill and old railway station are part of a community park. The trail continues north for 33 km into Haliburton. Always refer to the KATVA trails map for route specifics.
Length
33 km
Fenelon Falls to Fell Station: 8 km
Fell Station to Burnt River: 10 km
Burnt River to Kinmount: 15 km
Access Points (Staging and Parking)
Click on an access point below to view a Google map. The green arrow indicates the access point location.
North of Fenelon Falls: Trailhead at Garnet Graham Park (limited parking)
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North of Fenelon Falls: Superior Road
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Burnt River: 93 Pinery Road
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11th Concession and Pinery Road
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4370 Monck Road 45
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Kinmount: Austin Sawmill Heritage Park (limited parking)
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Road Use
Garnet Graham Lakeside Park, Fenelon Falls to Murray St Fenelon Falls – We have been granted permission by a City of Kawartha Lakes By-law that ATVs with a KATVA (or reciprocal partner) permit to use the road link through Fenelon Falls.
Points of Interest
The most scenic sections are of Sturgeon Lake near Cameron and just north of Fenelon Falls along the shores of Cameron Lake. The beautifully preserved railway station and Sawmill Park in Kinmount are worth the ride. For those who want a bit more adventure, there are side trips off the VRTC, such as the Boiler Heritage and Old Oak tree, offering an intermediate challenge through dense forests requiring a more technical ride. Through owner cooperation, KATVA has acquired the privilege of an intermediate trail system through private property. With the cooperation of the City of Kawartha Lakes, we are exploring new locations for trails as well as assisting in maintaining the network. These trails are all a privilege, and our members respect that.
Central Section (Please note SXS are not allowed south of Fenelon Falls at this time.)
Thunderbridge Road, Lindsay to Murray Street, Fenelon Falls
Description
The Central Corridor begins in the north end of Lindsay at Thunderbridge Road and takes you north to Fenelon Falls. The Ken Reid Conservation Area* is the first stop, with facilities including a variety of walking trails, a marsh boardwalk, Osprey nests, picnic shelters, group camping and a beach area. On the trail, follow Sturgeon Lake into the community of Cameron and then head north into Fenelon Falls.
Length
22 km
Thunderbridge Road to Ken Reid Conservation Area: 8 km
Ken Reid Conservation Area to Fenelon Falls: 14 km
Access Points (Staging and Parking)
Click on an access point below to view a Google map. The green arrow indicates the access point location.
Lindsay: Ken Reid Conservation Area*
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North of Lindsay: Trailhead at Thunderbridge Road
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South of Fenelon Falls: Trailhead at Murray Street
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Points of Interest
• Ken Reid Conservation Area: Kawartha Conservation
• Cameron Lake
• Fenelon Falls: Train Station, Trent Severn Waterway Lock 34
Services
Fenelon Falls: Offer full services – attractions, restaurants, gas stations and options for overnight stays.
*ATVs and SXS are not allowed in Ken Reid Conservation Area
ATVs and SXS are not allowed in the Ken Reid Conservation Area, but the trial runs though it and along side of it. There is parking and a staging area at the trail entrance beside the Ken Reid Conservation Area along Ken Reid Rd.
South Section
Dranoel Street, Bethany to Logie Street, Lindsay
Description
The South Corridor, the old CP Rail Line, extends 30 km from Lindsay to Bethany. The ATV section begins south from Logie St. The trail follows the old CP Rail line to Bethany progressing through farmlands and the natural areas of Fleetwood Creek Valley bordered by the Bethany hills. A portion of the trail passes through the Windy Ridge Conservation Area.
Rules
ATVs are not allowed on Highway 7A.
All Road use is subject to the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990 Reg.316\03
Link https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/030316
Length
30 km
Lindsay to Pigeon River: 13 km
Pigeon River to Bethany: 17 km
Access Points (Staging and Parking)
Click on an access point below to view a Google map. The green arrow indicates the access point location.
Bethany: Ski Hill Road & Jackson Street (limited parking)
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South of Lindsay: Golden Mile Road (limited parking)
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Points of Interest
- Conservation areas of Fleetwood Creek and Windy Ridge – 1.5 km hike to scenic lookout
- Community of Bethany
- Buddhist Temple, part of a massive complex being built by the Toronto-area Buddhist temple Cham San Temple, Bethany
Services
Community of Bethany: Bed and Breakfast, Restaurants
Somerville Forest Tract
Including 3 Loop Trails: The Pinery, Marsh and Millennium Trails
As a City Kawartha Lakes Municipal multi-use trail, the Somerville Forest Tract, also referred to as The Pinery, comprises 3,420 hectares of mixed forest property. There are three trail loops known as The Pinery, the Marsh Trail and the Millennium Trail covering a variety of terrain including pine plantations, wetlands, hardwoods and rock outcrops. This is a delicate area which requires the utmost respect by users. It is a privilege to use this trail system and it will eventually connect the north trail corridor through some very beautiful wooded areas towards Minden. It is open to ATVs, SXS and Off Road Motorcycles with KATVA trail permits (and reciprocal partners) and off road motorcycles with KORMA permits.
Non-Motorized Usage
walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding
Motorized Usage
ATV, SXS and off road motorcycle riding, snowmobiling
Open to ATVs
Pinery: May 1 through November 30, 7:00am – 9:30pm
Marsh: May 1 through November 30, 7:00am – 9:30pm
Millennium: June 1 through November 30, 7:00am – 9:30pm
Closed for the Season
December 1 through April 30
Trail Level
Beginner, Intermediate to Expert
Length
Pinery Trail – 8 km
Marsh Trail – 3 km
Millennium Trail – 22 km *Expert Trail
Location
Pinery Trail Parking Lot: 4370 Monck Road 45
To get there from the south, take Hwy. 35/115 north from Hwy. 401 to Lindsay and continue north past Fenelon Falls and Coboconk to Norland. At Norland, turn east on KL Rd. 45 and continue for approximately 10 km. The property is on the south side of the road just past Woodcock Line and a cleared farm area.
The Pinery Trail connects off of the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor north of Burnt River and extends to Monck Road 45 in the North.
Marsh Trail connects off of Victoria Rail Trail Corridor, south of Kinmount at 11th Concession and extends west to the Pinery Trail.
The Millennium Trail entrance is across Monck Road 45 and the Pinery Trail, and extends north to the junction of the (B104), connecting to the Ganaraska Hiking Trails and Haliburton Snowmobile Club Trails (B104).
Note: these trails are susceptible to trail damage.
Access Points (Staging and Parking)
Access points to trails are from various staging areas and most commonly from those riding the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor.
Click on an access point below to view a Google map. The green arrow indicates the access point location.
Burnt River: 93 Pinery Road
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11th Concession and Pinery Road
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4370 Monck Road 45
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Kinmount: Austin Sawmill Heritage Park (limited parking)
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Points of Interest
- Old oak tree enter off VRTC
- Scots pine and red pine plantations
- Lady slipper out crop only during a certain time, possible first week in June
- Spectacular scenery on the Millennium Trail
Features
Pine plantations, open areas with water and great viewing areas.
Services
Parking at 93 Pinery Road, parking at 11th. Con. and Pinery Road, also at Monk Road at Forest access Road.
Rules
The Somerville Forest is private property and only KATVA licenced ATVs and SXS are allowed. Please use all with due care and respect by staying on the trail at all times.
This trail system is a multi-use trail system owned and administered by the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) and, under CKL By-law, it is open for specific recreational uses:
Off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes), with the required KORMA (OFTR) permit are allowed in the Somerville Forest Tract.
Off road motorcycles are not allowed on our private property trails or sandpits.
Trail Etiquette
- Stay on trail
- Do not liter
- Do not start a campfire
- Do not smoke
- No camping allowed
At any given time, trail maintenance and logging may be going on in the forest. Please use caution when on the trails.
Five Points System
The Five Points System, developed and created by logging companies, is north and east of Bobcaygeon and consists of private landowners and crown land areas. It offers a wide range of intermediate and expert trails. KATVA is working hard with the local snowmobile clubs, Twin Mountains Snowmobile Club and Buckhorn District Snowmobile Club, as well as the OF4WD and the OFTR to maintain a healthy trail system.
Non-Motorized Usage
Walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding
Motorized Usage
ATV, SXS ORM, snowmobiles and off road trucks (there may be some restrictions depending on the trail
Open to ATVs
May 1 through November 30
7:00am – 9:30pm
Closed for the Season
December 1 through April 30
Permits
Valid Kawartha ATV Association or Kawartha Off Road Motorcycle Association (or reciprocal partners).
Trail Level
Intermediate to Expert:
Attempting without proper mapping knowledge and orientation experience can be dangerous. Please refer to our map for detailed GPS tracking of our trails.
Rider Level
Intermediate – Expert
Length
This trail system has various loops that vary in length and in time travelled. A favourite KATVA club ride loop is 65 km which can take up to 7 hours to complete. A more ambitious loop of 95 km provides a good perspective on the vastness of the area. Smaller loops are available that take 3 to 4 hours, as terrain varies considerably.
Access Points (Staging and Parking)
There are several areas indicated on our map (free with your membership). Every KATVA club ride will indicate the staging and parking area. As some are in rather remote areas, the gathering point will be a local landmark, and then the ride leader will lead everyone to the area.
Click on an access point below to view a Google map. The green arrow indicates the access point location.
Bass Lake Road at bridge
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Kinmount: Austin Sawmill Heritage Park (limited parking)
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Cr 507 and Fire Access Road
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Cr 507 and Trail 57
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Points of Interest
The Five Points area is bordered by Buckhorn, Bobcaygeon, Gooderham and Kinmount with Gooderham and Kinmount being accessible by ATV/SXS from the trail system. Get golden fries from a chip truck available in Kinmount, ride to Gooderham to enjoy a nice dinner, or try out great roadside favourites at The Catch on Cty Rd 507. Accommodations are available in both Bobcaygeon and Buckhorn. The system also links to the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor which is a beginner to intermediate system accessible to Fenelon Falls and to the outside borders of Lindsay. The Picard Lake picnic area in the Five Points overlooks scenic Picard Lake and for the more adventurous (expert), Concession Lake has a picnic area as well.
Features
Trails range from a Sunday stroll in the park to some of the most challenging. A great way to experience some of the best trails anywhere is to join one of the many KATVA sanctioned club rides. Click here to view the ride schedule. Each ride is geared to a certain skill level and is led by experienced ride leaders who know how to get you back should you encounter difficulties. If one of our leaders describes a particular feature as “not for the faint of heart”, it should be taken seriously. The Five Points trail system runs through large tracts of wilderness. DO NOT RIDE ALONE.
Rules
The Five Points Trails System is a mixture of crown land and privately owned land. KATVA has signed land use agreements with the landowners in the Five Points whose property the trails pass. These land use agreements are in place to ensure that the landowners are protected under the commercial liability insurance policy that KATVA carries. The private landowner rights must be respected and trespassing on private property will not be tolerated. ATVers do not have the right to enter private property anywhere without prior consent. If there is a sign posted, please stay out.
We respect the private landowner rights and will be working hard to obtain the necessary land use agreements from the appropriate landowners where there may be enhancement to our current trail system.
KATVA Junction
Purchased by KATVA in 2019, KATVA Junction consists of 104 acres (42 hectares) of wooded areas, sensitive wetlands, ponds, ridges and Canadian Shield. It is located at the North Junction where Trail 41 and Fire Access Road intersect, situated southwest of Loom Lake and, more generally, is due south of Crystal Lake.
The property is a central access hub for the Five Points Trail System. KATVA’s ownership secures ongoing access to a highly popular trail system for KATVA members and others. Additionally, the property itself promises to be a long-term asset for the club. It offers potential for new trail development and a site for club events. A preliminary site assessment done by Happy Trails Construction, Gooderham based professional trail builders, revealed the property’s primary offerings which includes possible new trails with greater ride difficulty. ROHV trails, ATV trails, single track trails, and a mud play area could be developed on-site.
There are some scenic views and points of interest along which new trails will be developed including:
- The ridge is located on the north side of Trail 41 and could be home to switchback trails with an easy slope facing west to get down. Scenic views are present on both sides.
- The terrain offers hills and elevation changes; an abundance of soil on the surface offers potential for development of more switchback and bench trails.
The preliminary assessment suggested an existing ROHV loop may be possible. Further, with nominal tree clearing, a VIP tour could likely be developed. Thirteen trail lengths totalling about 10 kilometres were identified.
With the property purchased and preliminary site assessment complete, KATVA can develop new trails when priorities are determined and resources are allocated.
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park
In 2018 Ontario Parks changed the designation to a Provincial Park and motorized use of any kind is now prohibited.
Other Special Category Trails
Hog’s Back
Prospect for sanctioning, KATVA does not condone or recommend this trail. Access to it may cross roads and un-opened road allowances.
Located south of Omemee towards Bethany, this system is both challenging (intermediate) and beautiful. South of Lindsay, it connects just south of Omemee on County Rd 31, proceeds south to Devil’s Elbow Ski Resort (Bethany) and can provide access to the south West Rail Trail through Bethany towards the Ganaraska trail system.
Trail Maps
Trail maps are provided to all members and to those who purchase a temporary permit at retailer locations.
If you wish to pick up a map from a retailer location, without purchasing a membership or temporary permit, the cost is $5.00.