Trails and Cycling

Township of Severn is located along the shores of Georgian Bay and Lake Couchiching and offers field, wooded and shoreline trails that are perfect for hiking, cycling and exploring the outdoors.

Uhthoff Trail

Hike, cycle, ski or horseback ride along the Uhthoff Trail through Severn. The trail runs from downtown Orillia, through Coldwater and then continues as the Trans Canada Trail towards Georgian Bay. View the Uhthoff Trail Map to find parking, trail access points and to plan your route.

Download the Uhthoff Trail audio app

Download the Uhthoff Trail audio app for iOS or Android and learn about the history and ecology of the trail as you hike, cycle, or horseback ride.

Learn more about the Uhthoff Trail app

Cycling in Severn

Severn is a great place to cycle, for both beginners and advanced riders alike. Check out Cycle Simcoe and view our cycling map to find cycling trails throughout our area.

The Carlyon Loop is a relatively easy 50 km ride through residential streets, countryside, and along the shores of Lake Couchiching.

View the Carlyon Loop trail map

Description

Begin at the municipal lot where the Trans Canada Trail crosses Division Road. Follow Division east towards Hampshire Mills Line. Cross Highway 11 into Westshore and cycle down residential streets that run parallel to the shoreline of Lake Couchiching. Follow the route through farm fields back to the start to complete the loop.

The Coldwater Course is a moderate 50 km ride that takes you along Bass Lake, through Marchmont and then back to Coldwater.

View the Coldwater Course trail map

Description

Begin on Fairgrounds Road and head south towards Highway 12. Ride beside Bass Lake and enjoy the view of the water before passing through Marchmont on route to Coldwater. Stop for a bite to eat in Coldwater or learn about Coldwater's history at the Heritage Museum or Historic Mill before setting out to return to the Fairgrounds.

Uhthoff Trail is an easy 30 km trail that is open year round. The trail extends from Wilson Point Road to the 400 overpass at Waubaushene and takes you through scenic wooded areas, over wetlands, and across many streams. Stop at one of the beaches along the trail and enjoy a bite to eat and a cold drink in Coldwater.

The trail is made up of mainly crushed limestone with a small paved section in Coldwater.

View the Uhthoff Trail map

Description

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of road cycling, or if you don't have the proper equipment, try the Uhthoff Trail. The trail is predominantly gravel and connects downtown Orillia to Coldwater and through towards Georgian Bay.

Upper Big Chute Loop is one of the most scenic routes in the Township. This 56 km trail has a moderate/advanced difficulty level.

View the Upper Big Chute Loop trail map

Descriptions

This route takes you entirely around Gloucester Pool. Follow Big Chute Road/County Road 17 north into Muskoka as it winds its way around rocky landscape and multiple lakes. Upper Big Chute Road eventually turns into Whites Falls Road, which then turns into Honey Harbour Road before crossing Highway 400 into Port Severn. Make a pit stop in Port Severn and check out the Marine Railroad at Lock 44. Follow Saint Amant Road out of Port Severn to return to Severn Falls via Upper Big Chute Road.

Bicycle repairs

There are two bike repair stations located conveniently along cycling trails that allow riders to re-inflate tires and do quick, basic repair. You can find our bicycle repair stations at:

Matchedash Heritage Community Centre – 2095 North River Drive
Uhthoff Trail behind the Coldwater Curling Club – 9 Michael Anne Drive

Cycling safety

Your safety is important to us. Many cycling trails throughout Severn take riders along country roads and highways with paved shoulders and in some cases poor sightlines. Visit Share the Road to learn about cycling safety. Make sure that you take all necessary precautions when sharing the road with motor vehicles.

Planning a cycling event or triathlon?

Township of Severn welcomes organized cycling events and triathlons to our community. To help ensure safety and limit impacts on residents, all larger events require a Road Occupancy Permit.

Road Applications and Permits

Please note that:

permits are free for tourism-related cycling or sporting events but the request for a permit must be submitted at least 10 days before the event
a detailed route map and traffic control plan are required to help us review your route for any planned construction, safety considerations, or opportunities to improve the cycling experience
all events must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of $5 million, naming the Township of Severn as an additional insured
organizers are required to notify residents and businesses along the route in advance
events that include partial road closures or significant traffic impacts will require coordination with emergency services and may require paid-duty police presence
For more information or to submit your permit application, please visit our Road Applications and Permits page

Contact us

1024 Hurlwood Lane
Severn, Ontario

Phone: 705-325-2315
Fax: 705-327-5818
Contact us

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