sharb-echo scramble

296 km loop around two provincial parks and partially along the Trans-Canada Trail. Mapped by Paul Galipeau

STATS

Distance: 296km (184 miles)
Days: 4
Unpaved: 94%
Total ascent: 2317m (7602’)
High point: 422m (1,385')

SUMMARY

This 3-night, 296 km bikepacking loop highlights the vast trail network in the uninhabited wilderness of the highlands north of the Trans-Canada Highway. Best suited to plus sized or fatbike tires, the route follows rugged terrain along historic railway trails, ATV paths, rolling hydroline trails and windy logging roads that despite having all been marked as multi-use trails by the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance and despite its serious bikepacking potential, isn’t known to cyclists. The route loops around two provincial parks through large parcels of beautiful Crown land where there are a number of free campsites as well as a remote beach and an abandoned airstrip. To avoid flooding and bugs, this route is best done in late summer. A trailhead in Sharbot Lake is the easiest access point for anyone living between Ottawa and Toronto but other trailheads may help make resupplies easier.

The view from the Sharbot Lake trailhead. 40mm tires have managed this route but barely.

Wet feet are inevitable on this section of the K&P Trail.

Free Crown land campsites are abundant along most of the route. Remember to leave no trace.

The Mountain Chute Dam is an impressive sight to see after a long bike ride.

The route has no shortage of reminders of what its rough terrain is capable of.

This roadside Crown land campsite at Dodge Lake is a great place to refill on water and have a quick swim. It might not be the best campsite though.

Hunt camps like this one are found occasionally along the route. A few are unlocked. If you use one, sign their guestbook but leave the place cleaner than you found it.

Flooding along the trail should be expected. You may pedalling through axle deep sections several times along the route. It’s frustrating but there’s also a beauty to it.

This campsite at Stoll Lake was beside a road but obscured by a wall of trees. Stealth camping at its finest.

One of the many views from the hydrocuts along the route.

The 24 hour Foodland in Northbrook is an unexpected treat - and one of the only resupply possibilities along the route.

This old bridge along the Trans-Canada Trail crosses the Salmon River near Arden, Ontario.

Just off the Trans-Canada Trail is a portage route on the Salmon River where water can be refilled if necessary.

An abandoned government airstrip in the middle of the woods.

If you want a private beach, you may need to get a little muddy first.

The beach at Merrill Lake may be worth it.

Proof that not all vehicles attempting to reach the beach will make it.

Highlights

Mountain Chute Dam - In service since 1967, this remote generating station is an impressive piece of civil engineering that’s accessible either via sandy ATV trails or a very satisfying paved descent. Be warned though - you’ll need to climb back up to continue the route so if you don’t care about dams and a nice river view, you can skip this!

Irvine Lake Airstrip - Built in the 1980s, this abandoned government runway that continues to be occasionally used by the Canadian Army makes for another unique reminder that this secluded route has seen a real mix of human activity over the years.

Merrill Lake Beach - It’s a muddy, buggy, hike-a-bike kind of trail to get there but access to a remote sandy beach that’s a must for beach lovers who want a swim friendly campsite.

Foodland Northbrook - A well-stocked 24 hour grocery store in the middle of nowhere. For real!

Crown Land Camping - Canadians in Ontario can camp on Crown land for free. Pitch your shelter anywhere or scope out one of the many established sites that speckle this loop. Not sure how to find Crown land? Google “CLUPA”. Short jaunts onto side roads or trails may reward you with spectacular sites. Fortune favours the bold. And remember, always LEAVE NO TRACE.