The Best Mountain Biking Trails in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Travis Anderson

April 2, 2025

It’s hard to believe I once thought I’d left Sault Ste. Marie for good. When I was 21 years old, I went chasing adventure in places like Whistler and North Vancouver, world-renowned mountain biking meccas. After 18 years, something pulled me back: the magnetic allure of Lake Superior’s rugged north shore and its untapped potential for world-class trails.

Over the years, a passionate community of riders has transformed that potential into reality, building over 60 kilometres of exceptional singletrack that rivals the best in North America. The best part? These epic trails are some of the easiest to access. Just 15 minutes from downtown, the trailhead at Kinsmen Park – Hiawatha Highlands is the gateway to your two-wheeled adventure.

Whether you’re seeking flowy trails, techy enduro or stunning wilderness, this place delivers. Having lived in some of the most celebrated mountain biking destinations in Canada, I can confidently say these trails stand out for their quality and unique blend of adventure and convenience. Pack your gear, head this way and hit my list of must-ride trails.

A few pedal strokes from the trailhead, you’ll find a beautifully crafted pump track that’s a perfect warm-up—just long enough to fire up your legs. Just across from the pump track, you’ll see Myles to Go (MTG), your gateway to the Crystal Creek flow trail system.

Built for beginners, but fun regardless of experience level, MTG is a great way to tune up your skills before venturing deeper into the Crystal system. This one-kilometre trail starts with flowy turns and a gentle climb before descending into berm after berm and a section of small tabletops before looping back on itself.

At the start of my favourite zone, 13 kilometres into the Crystal system, you’ll find Hawaii Five-0. This long, moderate descent has over 50 rollers and a handful of expertly crafted tabletops that gently float you into the air. This trail is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face. Insider tip: to session the trail, hang a right as you exit and head up the gentle climb to Wave; another right, and you’ll be back at the start of the trail.

Just down from Hawaii Five-0 is Soonami. You’ll know you’re getting close when you hear joyful hooting and hollering. This epic black-level trail is one of the fastest descents on the Crystal system. While it starts mellow, beware as you pick up a ridiculous amount of speed. With 30 per cent grades, wall rides and jumps, it’s a rollercoaster of dirt. After the descent, you’ll be rewarded with a smooth ride along the picturesque Crystal Creek before heading up the leg-burning climb of the TLC trail. While the climb is challenging, you’ll be distracted by beautiful waterfalls on your way back to flat ground.

Stickman is a must-hit on the old-school, but amazing, 13-kilometre Red Pine System. Travel back to the Jurassic Era as you rip through waist-high ferns. The combination of root-y terrain and flow speaks to this hand-built trail’s origins in the early 2000s. A favourite of mine, I promise it will leave you wishing for more.

Stickman has a history as it was named after a not-to-happy hiker who purposefully littered the trail with large sticks that sent many riders over their bars. Luckily, a bit of diplomacy by the Sault Cycling Club resolved Mr. Stickman’s concerns, so unless one falls from a tree, your ride should be free and clear of any branches!

No trip to the North is complete without seeing one of Canada’s most iconic animals, the Swamp Donkey (aka. the moose). Your best chance for a sighting is on this trail.  Swamp Donkey is a hard-charging, black-level trail starting at the seven-kilometre mark of the Farmer Lake Trail. You might expect to find this trail at a local bike park if it weren’t peppered with lung-busting climbs. With massive berms, mid-sized jumps and drops, this trail is easily in the top three of must-rides.

A word to the wise: if you head to Swamp Donkey, you’ve committed to riding the entire 14-kilometre Farmer Lake trail. This backcountry trail takes riders by three inland lakes and a lookout with a view you won’t find in most places in the Midwest. But be prepared: the cell service is sketchy and far from the parking lot. A riding partner is highly recommended.

If steep slabs and sketchy rock spines are your thing, check out Slippery When Wet, located about 600 metres from the start of the Farmer Lake network. Designed for expert riders, this trail is a mini version of the white-knuckle rock slabs you’ll find in Squamish. 

Not feeling as bold? Drop into Rocket Queen (1.6 kilometres from Connor Road Link Trail) and hold on to your bars! This fast-flowing, black-level trail has plenty of mid-sized drops and slabs. If you like this riding style, I guarantee you’ll finish with a grin from ear to ear!

Whether you’re looking for machine-built flow, backcountry rides, white-knuckle enduro or classic old-school single track, the Sault is your place. With more trails planned for 2025, it’s unlikely that you’ll ride everything in a single visit. Add the beautiful beaches of Lake Superior, breathtaking views from the Canadian Shield Highlands and amazing breweries and restaurants. I guarantee you’ll plan your next trip within five minutes of returning home.

READ MORE: Cycling, Ontario, Trails