Location: Calabogie, Greater Madawaska, Ontario
Estimated Gravel Time: 70%
Full Route Map:
Distance: 118.9km (79.5 miles)
Alternate Route (72km): The full route has two distinct flavours. The northern portion sticks predominantly to exposed Ottawa Valley farm roads. Meanwhile, the southern section remains mostly within the treelined hills surrounding Calabogie. Download GPX File
Suggested Tire Width: 38-40mm or greater
Amenities: The starting point in the town of Calabogie includes a convenience store, several restaurants, and a brewery. The town of Cobden, the approximate halfway point of the 128km option, includes a couple of convenience stores, a brewpub and burger/chip stand. The village of Douglas, about 17.5km from Cobden on the 128km route, has a small general store.
Parking: Public parking at boat launch/visitor centre (public toilets available)
Full Route Description
This 119km route takes advantage of the ample single lane gravel that wind its way through the hills north of Calabogie, before descending into the flat gravel/paved farm roads that are a regular feature of the Ottawa Valley (including some surprise unmaintained!)
Starting from the public visitors parking in Calabogie, head north via the K&P Trail. After just over 6km, exit the K&P Trail via Ashdad Rd. and continue on this scenic stretch of gravel as the route heads north, zigzagging up a mix of two lane and single lane gravel roads, before reaching Stone Rd.
Turn left off on Stone Rd. and remain on an extended stretch of quiet pavement for 8km to the village of Douglas. Exit the village via Highway 60, starting on movement for less than 2km before making a left onto O'Neil Rd. and continuing north on dirt for the next 15km. Eventually, the route returns to pavement upon reaching Behm Rd. Make a left here and continue on asphalt all the way to the town of Cobden and the Whitewater Brewpub, the approximate halfway point of the route,
Instead of riding to Cobden, riders also have the option of continuing on South McNaughton to Stone Rd, where riders can rejoin the route back to Calabogie and effectively shortening the route to 72km.
After Cobden, backtrack for a few kilometres before eventually making a left onto McPeak Line, as the loop continues on dirt for the next 5km to Barr Line. Proceed left and remain on this exposed stretch of pavement for a little bit over 5km, before returning to gravel and hanging a left on Cheese Factory Rd.
After crossing Highway 60, riders continue on asphalt for just over 10km. Upon reaching Reid Rd., head right as the loop stays predominantly on a series of gravel roads as riders ascend back up the hills surrounding Calabogie. Upon reaching the mid-way point of Grant Rd., the route descends gradually on dirt all the way back to Calabogie (and the Calabogie Brewing Company).
