Arkell Spring Grounds
Open
17.787 km
Arkell Spring Grounds is private land. You MUST be a GORBA member to ride here.
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The Arkell Spring Grounds MTB Trails are on private land and are restricted to GORBA and GHTC members only.
You must be a GORBA member to ride at Arkell Spring Grounds. Click here to join GORBA today!
Failure for the MTB community to respect this may result in further loss of these trails or permanent closure.
Although the city of Guelph owns this land, it is not in Guelph and is not open to public access. This land is the source water well head for the city of Guelph and comes with great restrictions. Much like a fire hall is owned by a city, the public does not have access without permission. The two clubs, GORBA and GHTC have had to sign agreements with the city to ensure a healthy, but restrictive, management plan and prove user insurance.
We know you pay your taxes, but trust us, walking into the fire chief’s office and making yourself at home wouldn’t go over very well. We have lost access to some of this property already, please ensure we don’t lose it all for less than the cost of a bike tire. Become a GORBA member today! Thirty-five dollars is the cheapest component of your riding season for access to over a thousand acres of land with many kilometers of trails all maintained with thousands of volunteer hours. It’s an incredible deal! Every membership helps fund our efforts and ensures the future of MTB riding in our area. For GORBA members who have never ridden The Arkell Spring Grounds, the trail system offers a more challenging riding experience. It is intended for intermediate to advanced riders and has greater technical challenge than the Guelph Lake trails.
Trailheads
Parking
Watson Road
Street parking right at the Watson Road trailhead with limited parking available.
DirectionsRegion Trails
679 m
, Both Directions
Cheaptrick is a perfect trail for intermediate to advanced riders, as it offers a variety of challenging rock-based obstacles and steep descents. As you make your way along the trail, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding forest.
393 m
, Both Directions
Don Valley Parkway is a challenging trail that offers an exciting ride for intermediate to experienced riders.
892 m
, Both Directions
Riding from east to west it is generally a long downhill from "C" location map to spillway valley floor with a few climbs along the way. Finishes with a long decent with 5 sweeping turns on berms, trees and wall ride. Can be used as a long climb but just watch out for fast defenders.
2 km
, Both Directions
Giddy-Up is a fun, fast, and flowy access trail that brings you from the Watson Road trailhead into the depths of the Arkell Springs trail system.
2 km
, Both Directions
The trail consists of tight, twisting single track with constant elevation change. Sections have small jumps and berms and are a treat to ride at speed. Challenge your self to try to get close to KOM time of just over 10 minutes for loop.
2 km
, Both Directions
Flowy fast single track with many features. Some are jumps and others are rock overs. Longer climbs and descents then inner sanctum as this trail passes north and south a few times over the highest ground in Arkell Springs. Continuous loop of almost 15min of relentless fun.
Enjoy the benefits of membership! Join today!
- Get access to ‘Member Only’ Arkell Spring Grounds Trails
- Attend group rides
- Receive Retail discounts at local bike shops
- Support our trail development
- Support your local cycling community
- All for less than the price of an MTB tire!