Hopetown Hoedown (Full Cycle Edition)
- RideGravel.ca
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Location: Hopetown, Lanark County, Ontario
Estimated Gravel Time: 85%
Full Route Map:
Distance: 81.5km (Full Route)
Alternate Route (63.4km): The “Buckaroo” version of the Hopetown Hoedown provides a shorter sample of the featured route, for anyone just looking to dip their toes into the world of unmaintained. Download GPX File
Suggested Tire Width: 40mm or wider
Amenities: The town of Lanark features a convenience store, a couple of small restaurants and an LCBO. Be sure to stock up, as the only other resupply option along the route is the convenience store in the hamlet of Hopetown, approximately 12km from the end of the loop.
Parking: Starting from Lanark, the best parking option is either the Lanark Community Centre or the Clyde Memorial Ball Park. Looking to shorten the loop and avoid the out-and-back to Lanark? Parking is also available at the Hopetown cemetery, across the street from the convenience store/gas station.
Route Description:
This route is designed to link together as much Lanark Highlands unmaintained as possible into a single loop, including Bathurst Line (a solid 5-6km of double track/ATV trail); Concession Rd 12; Lavant Mill Rd.; Ranger Camp Rd.; Umphersons Mill Rd. South; Lodore Rd.; Steward Gibson Rd.; and Concession Rd 2A.
Anyone attempting this route on a typical gravel bike should expect to be slightly underbiked on certain sections. Anticipate minor flooding, babyheads and some minor hike-a-bike. But for those with a sense of adventure, you'll be hard pressed to do better.
Starting from Lanark and riding clockwise, exit the village via George St. before making a left as the route transitions from asphalt to dirt along Forbes Rd. Upon arriving at Sheridan Rapids Rd., turn left and continue on a mix of winding gravel and pavement, across the Mississippi River, to McDonalds Corners Rd. (use caution – traffic can move quickly here). Then, turn right onto Bathurst Line East, which transitions into a significant section of technical unmaintained, definitely one of the route’s highlights!
After 6km or so, riders turn right, climbing away from Bathurst Line via Concession Rd. 9A. This rolling section of dirt features several steady ascents, before eventually making a left on Highland Lane and returning to pavement for a short spell, then back to gravel before reaching the route’s second stretch of unmaintained, Concession Road 12. Riders ought to exercise caution here, as this section includes a steep and somewhat treacherous descent.
Continuing to McDonalds Corners Rd., make a left then a quick right onto Lavant Mills Rd., remaining on pavement before reaching the shores of Dalhousie Lake and its pretty public beach. The perfect spot to rest, relax … and put on your limb legs, as the route transitions back to dirt and climbs away from the lake before eventually reaching the next extended stretch of unmaintained.
Continuing on Lavant Mills Rd. past the intersection with Gemmills Rd., this 18km mix of mostly unmaintained is easy to navigate and features the legendary Ranger Camp Rd. (and its selection of Crown Land campsites), Umphersons Mill Rd. South, and Lodore Rd.
Exit this section via Sugarbush Way and continue east to the 2nd Concession, then north to the loop’s next portion of unmaintained, Stewart Gibson Rd. After approximately 3km, leave the unmaintained behind and continue on Stewart Gibson Rd. to the convenience store in the hamlet of Hopetown.
From here, head right on provincial highway 511 and descent briefly for just under 2km to Dobbie Rd., being sure to stay as far to the right as possible. While traffic is generally light here, vehicles can move at a high rate of speed. Upon reaching Dobbie Rd., make a right and continue to Concession Rd 2A, the route’s final portion of unmaintained. While relatively short, this section is slightly technical and can see some minor flooding.
Following the completion of this last bit of unmaintained, remain on Concession Rd 2A as it transitions to pavement, continuing on Robertson Drive until riders return to Lanark and the end of the loop.
Comments