SCMBC ORO Mountain Bike Trails – [Ultimate Guide]

With 105+ kilometres of mountain bike trails, SCMBC Oro is a beast of a system and arguably the crown jewel of Simcoe County’s densely packed mountain bike trail network. 

Let’s take a closer look at why SCMBC’s mountain bike trails are so great and get you prepared for a fantastic first visit!

Why Mountain Bike at SCMBC Oro?

With Copeland Forest, Horseshoe Resort, and Hardwood Ski and Bike all next door, you may be asking yourself why mountain bike at SCMBC Oro? Here’s my answer!

Tons of Distance

The distance of mountain bike trails at SCMBC Oro is nearly unbeatable. Overall, you have more than 105 kilometres to choose from, giving you endless route possibilities and a couple of days’ worth of singletrack riding. It’s hard to find that distance anywhere else in Ontario, making SMBC Oro a great choice if you want a big day out on the bike. 

Long Downhills

Another highlight of mountain biking at SCMBC Oro is the long downhill sections. Overall, the network has a vertical of 68 metres or 223 feet, all of which has been beautifully built on by the trail builders. As a result, nearly every trail contains several sustained downhill sections that make great use of the fall line and provide longer, faster, and better downhills than almost any other mountain bike trail network in Ontario (with 141 metres or 463 feet of vertical, Copeland Forest is the one major exception).

Highly Engaging

The great trail building continues beyond the downhill sections, with the flatter areas and even the climbs being extremely well-built. Everything feels intentional; berms are perfectly placed, chicanes are well-spaced out and let you carry speed, switchbacks aren’t too tight but still provide a punchy challenge, the trails bring you to unique vistas and forest features, some sections are manicured and smooth while others are raw and loose. All of this combines to create an incredibly engaging ride that has you stoked for what’s to come on each new trail you ride.

Drains Well

We all know how frustrating it can be to plan a ride only for it to rain overnight and make the trails unrideable. Luckily for those planning to ride at Oro, this isn’t much of an issue. Overall, SCMBC Oro’s mountain bike trails are a great mix of sand, gravel, and dirt. The result is a trail system that drains very well, offering a great spot for a post-rain ride. So, remember this the next time it rains, and you’re looking for a trail system to ride!

Great Trail Maintenance

Yes, the mountain bike trails at SCMBC Oro are very well-built. But, without maintenance, much of that initial building can quickly fall apart. Thankfully, this isn’t the case here, as the Simcoe County Mountain Bike Club does a fantastic job maintaining Oro’s trails. Every time I’ve ridden SCMBC ORO, the trails have been immaculate, with little to no issues in terms of erosion, blown-out berms, fallen trees, or any of the other frequently found problems on mountain bike trails. 

Good Skill Builder

SCMBC Oro’s mountain bike trails are an incredible place for beginner mountain bikers to build their skills. The descents will feel steep, the climbs will feel neverending, and the odd root or rock will feel impossible to get over. But, the trails are smooth, predictable, well-maintained, and relatively free of hazards, making for an incredibly safe set of trails to take on these challenges and develop skills. So, if you’re a beginner mountain biker or have kids just getting into the sport, consider heading to SCMBC Oro!

Close to Copeland Forest (& Others)

As mentioned, Copeland Forest, Horseshoe Resort, and Hardwood Ski and Bike are all within riding resistance of SCMBC Oro, allowing you to easily piece together an epic day (or weekend) of riding. Having this amount of quality mountain biking so close together is truly staggering and a huge reason why you should visit SCMBC Oro.

Things to Know Before You Go

Hopefully, you’re convinced you need to go mountain biking at SCMBC Oro by now. If so, here are a few things you should know before you go!

Parking

I recommend parking at the primary trailhead located just east of the intersection of Line 7 and Bass Lake Side Road. Parking here puts you right at the heart of the trail network, giving you multiple options of where to head first – it also puts you right at the start/end of my favourite route at SCMBC Oro!

Mechanical Stations

A great feature of SCMBC Oro is the two mechanical stations on the property (here and here). Each station has a standard set of tools needed for quick fixes. Having stations like this is excellent if you don’t feel like carrying a bag and are okay with a short walk/pedal to the nearest station in case of mechanical or a quick adjustment.

Road & Trail Crossings

There are several road crossings and a ton of trail crossings at SCMBC Oro. Most trail crossings are at speed, so be vigilant as you approach them to ensure no mountain bikers or hikers are crossing your path. Dirtbikes also frequent the area, and while they’re extremely loud, they’re also extremely fast, and it can be challenging to tell where they are. So, take extra care when crossing if you hear dirt bikes nearby.

Logging

SCMBC Oro is located within a managed forest, meaning certain sections are occasionally logged to create a healthier ecosystem. As such, some trail sections will be closed for extended periods while logging occurs. Trailforks will have the areas noted, so take a look there before heading out for your ride so you’re aware of any closures.

Trailforks

I highly recommend downloading Trailforks and using it during rides at new and unfamiliar trail systems. Even with great signage, the direction to go or the trail to turn on next isn’t always clear. Having Trailforks, especially if you’re following a predefined route, that problem disappears, and you’ll quickly know where to go during your ride. If you don’t have Trailforks downloaded, you can find download links for iOS and Android here.

Strava

If you don’t know already, Strava is a fantastic app to track your rides. It not only lets you compare yourself to your previous rides, but it also lets you see how you stack up compared to others riding the same trails as you. For those of you that are competitive, this is a lot of fun. You can download Strava here.

SCMBC Oro Mountain Bike Trails: An Overview

Here are my favourite mountain bike trails at SCMBC ORO, plus an overview of an unreal 30 km route with everything you could ever want in a trail ride! 

The Best Trails

Creeks Black

Creeks Black is 6 kilometres of fast downhills, great climbs, and twisty flats. Essentially, it’s like a condensed version of all the awesome things SCMBC Oro has to offer. It’s one of the best-built, most engaging mountain bike trails I’ve ridden in Ontario, and it is a heck of a starter as you leave the parking lot and begin your ride!

Hutch-Brown Red & Black

Hutch-Brown Red and Hutch-Brown Black are my favourite trails at SCMBC Oro. Hutch-Brown Red is a beautiful climb, with perfect bench cuts snaking their way up the hill. The ridge riding is excellent, too, and the open vistas through the forest are incredible. Heading down, you have Hutch-Brown Black and its long, fast, and flowy descent. Both trails feel like you’re riding somewhere larger than Ontario, making them a can’t-miss at SCMBC Oro.

Walsh Tract Black & Red

The Walsh Tract Black and Red trails ebb and flow through the forest, bobbing up and down over 30 metres or 100′ of vertical. The trails form a loop, so the total vertical change is 0, but within the loop is a host of punchy climbs, rowdy descents, high-speed chicanes, and flowy berms. What more could you want?!

Strachan Tract Green A-B

Strachan Tract Green A-B is like the big brother to the Walsh Tract. The descents are more demanding and technical, the climbs are punchier and steep, and your overall focus level has to go up a notch. It’s great fun and a highlight of SCMBC Oro.

My Favourite Route

Combine SCMBC Oro’s best mountain bike trails and a few others, and you have this amazing route. It’s one of the most complete 30 km mountain bike routes I’ve ridden and easily my favourite in Ontario. I highly recommend following this route if you’re comfortable riding 30+ kilometres and 500+ metres of vertical in one ride!

Additional Information

• If you need a bike shop, check out:
  • The Bike Zone (Barrie)
  • Giant Barrie (they’ll service any make, not just Giant)
  • The Bike Stop (Orillia)
  • The Crank and Sprocket (Orillia)

• If you want to grab some food and drinks, check out:
  • HQ Restaurant & Taphouse (Horseshoe Valley)
  • Crazy Horse Sports Bar & Grill (Horseshoe Resort)
  • North Country BBQ (Barrie)
  • The Farmhouse (Barrie)
  • Webers (Orillia)
  • Couchiching Craft Brewing Co (Orillia)

• If you’re looking for places to stay, consider:
  • Horseshoe Resort (Horseshoe Valley)
  • Hampton Inn & Suites (Barrie)
  • Best Western Plus (Barrie)
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites (Orillia)
  • The Champlain Waterfront Hotel (Orillia)

Final Thoughts

The mountain bike trails at SCMBC Oro are among the best in Ontario. The incredible distance, great trail building, excellent drainage, highly engaging terrain, enjoyable climbs, and ripping descents provide a mountain biking experience that genuinely encompasses everything you could want in a ride. I highly recommend that anyone contemplating a visit make the trip as soon as possible – you won’t be disappointed!

– Garrett

Pros & Cons

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