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The South March Highlands Conservation Forest is an absolute joy to have right in our backyard.
Open year round, the trails there are maintained and enjoyed by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association. But they’re equally welcoming for newbie hikers, and families with kids. Plus, dogs are allowed any time of year!
With so many established trails winding through the forest, you can put together a route that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for a hike that’s short and easy, or longer and more challenging, South March has it.
After living in Ottawa for over ten years, I’ve finally gotten around to hiking every single loop in the forest. So, which are the best trails in the South March Highlands Conservation Forest?
The constantly varied terrain at the South March Highlands Conservation Forest is super fun!
Here are my detailed trail reports, designed to help you figure out which loop is the best fit for you.
The OMBA’s map of South March Highlands Conservation Forest.
The Rockhopper Loop
Highlights: Great views over beaver ponds and wetland, fun little foot bridges, and rocky mountain biking features.
Distance: 3.6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Views along the Rockhopper Loop.
The Dogsled Loop
Highlights: Some stunning trail work, stone footbridges, and varied terrain along the way.
Distance: 4.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
The trail work done by OMBA is worth the trip all on it’s own.
The PWT Loop
Highlights: Two different lakes and some awesome, rolling rocky terrain.
Distance: 7.7 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Beautifully constructed foot bridges make for easier hiking along the PWT Loop.
The Outback/Ridgetop Loop
Highlights: Scores of open rock face, with a “getting lost in the forest” feel since this loop is further out than the others and not travelled as often.
Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: Moderate
I love all the open rock face in South March!
