Location: Meisel Woods Conservation Area, Crow Lake, Frontenac County, Ontario
Estimated Gravel Time: 70%
Full Route Map:
Distance: 76km (47.2 miles), with a 50km option.
Suggested Tire Width: 35-38mm or wider
Amenities: None. While the route includes access to several potential spots for a quick dip, only the boat launch located near the route’s start in the hamlet of Crow Lake includes developed water access (as well as a privy).
Parking: Public off-street parking can be found at the Meisel Woods Conservation Area in the hamlet of Crow Lake. In addition, public parking is available on the northern edge of Frontenac Provincial Park, off Devils Lake Rd.
Route Description:
By circumnavigating of Bobs Lake, one of the largest and prettiest bodies of water in the Frontenac, this route provides the opportunity to explore the various inlets and surrounding lakes that make up this stunning section of the Canadian Shield.
Beginning from the small parking lot located in the Meisel Woods Conservation Area, head south on Anderson Rd North, following this segment of rough gravel for 7km to Bradshaw Rd. Here, the route transitions to pavement as it continues west to Bobs Lake Rd., a sublime stretch of twisty tree-lined asphalt, dotted with several small lakes, before eventually reaching Green Bay Rd.
Head south-east on Green Bay Rd., returning to dirt as the route passes several bays and inlets that make up the southern shores of Bobs Lake, before eventually reaching White Lake Rd. At this point, riders will have the option of staying on-route, or continuing via Green Bay Rd. to Burridge Rd., thereby shortening the overall length of the loop by approximately 25km.
For those staying on the suggested route, White Lake Rd. changes to asphalt prior to Buck Bay Rd., at which point the loop heads south, remaining on pavement before eventually reaching Bunker Hill Rd. Here, the route returns to gravel as it parallels the northern shores of Thirteen Island Lake all the way to James Wilson Rd.
James Wilson Rd. marks the beginning of a fantastic 7km stretch of single-lane and unmaintained gravel, highlighted by a brake cooking descent to Desert Lake. The route then hugs the lake’s northern shoreline, passing a small dam/waterfall, before ascending to a small boat launch on the southern tip of Canoe Lake.
Continuing on Canoe Lake Rd. head north, following the length of Canoe Lake for approximately 8km. Shortly after passing Yankee Lake, the route once again changes from gravel to pavement before eventually reaching Westport Rd. Here, the loop makes a right, followed by a quick left and returning to gravel via Lee Rd.
Shortly thereafter, the route makes a sharp left onto McNeil Rd., a 3km stretch of glorious unmaintained doubletrack, before eventually exiting onto Burridge Rd. Here, continue north, following the wide and easy to navigate gravel for just over 10km to Crozier Rd. At this point, Burridge Rd. switches from gravel to pavement before making a left onto Crow Lake Rd., as the loop follows this extended segment of hilly pavement to the hamlet of Crow Lake. Soon afterwards, the route re-joins Anderson Rd. North, following it back to Meisel Woods Conservation Area and the start of the loop.
