Riders that choose to bike in the Copeland Forest will be rewarded with a beautiful rolling and densely forested landscape. Spring and summer offer an amazing variety of ground cover and fall brings out a kaleidoscope of colours the area is known for. Trails range from flat beginner to steep and technical climbs and descents. A dedicated group of volunteers help keep the trails safe for everyone to use.
If you plan to bike in the forest, prepare for an above-average fitness and wilderness experience. An intermediate set of bike skills will greatly improve the experience, although there are flat trails for beginners to enjoy.
Trailforks is an excellent tool to start navigating the trail network by showing levels of difficulty and possible routes through the forest. There are flatter, less technical trails for beginners off Horseshoe Valley Road, directly north of Horseshoe Resort. As the trails goes east from there, they become much more technical and the elevation increases making for some of the best technical riding in the area.
Guidelines:
- Prepare for the worst-case scenario with spare tube and tools, lots of water and a snack. A small first aid kit is recommended.
- Bring a wayfinding device like GPS to avoid getting lost.
- Remember that Copeland Forest is not a bike park, but a multi-use forest. There will be all types of users including horses, walkers, photographers and runners.
- Bikers are required to yield to all other users.
- While riding, stay on the trails, walk over obstacles instead of around, avoid skidding tires.
- Yield to uphill riders.
- Always carry out what you carry in.