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Off Road Haliburton Highlands offers outstanding opportunities for offroading. Whether you like four-wheeling over rocks and hills or riding through the mud or bush, there is something here for everyone.
With so much of Hastings Highlands designated as public land administered for recreational use, and hundreds of miles of backcountry trails, great four-wheel drive or ATV terrain is never far away. But please remember, because our hills and forests are remote and fragile, it is important to heed all applicable restrictions in order to protect yourself and the landscape.
The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders held their Crystal Lake ride last weekend with over 120 participants! Trails! Please visit or Gallery for pictures from that ride courtesy of Rob McPhee!
The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) was
incorporated in 1992 with the goal of educating riders and promoting safe and responsible riding.
The Haliburton Highlands has been the home of the World Famous Corduroy Enduro, every fall, for over 50 years. The trails are also part of the Ontario Trail Ride Series sponsored by Yamaha, a 13 event series across Ontario.
While anyone can use Crown Land, some groups, especially Hikers, have prepared some trails with signage that asked us to respect there efforts. Please don’t ride on non-motorized trails or private property!
To ride on Crown Land, you must have insurance and a plate. (Trail or Street). The Rail Trail from Kinmount to Haliburton is currently off-limits to motorcycles.
For more information about Off Road Motorcycling in Ontario visit: www.oftr.ca
OFTR MANDATE
To source, create and maintain a trail network in Ontario for safe, family use by off road motorcyclist, as well as any other good intentioned users. To provide a strong voice supported by a substantial membership to represent trail users to ensure, to our best ability, that these trails continue to be available.
Code of Conduct
Do Not Trespass on private property. Ride on existing trails.
Respect nature.
Expect and Respect others who have the right to be on the trails. Be courteous to others.
Remember that few other vehicles are as maneuverable as bikes, so give the others lots of room and pass on the right.
Other user groups do a lot of trail grooming - respect their efforts.
STOP when you see a horse, shut off your engine immediately. Then take off your helmet and ask for instructions from the rider.
Comply with all legislation, bylaws and insurance requirements.
Always wear a helmet and other safety gear. (Take off your helmet if you talk to someone)
Whatever you pack in, pack out. Do not litter, and leave the place better than you found it.
Use trails only according to the permitted uses indicated. Some trails are seasonal and can experience problems in the spring. Check the trail conditions.
Do not use any Alcohol or Drugs if you plan to ride.
Keep your bike QUIET. More sound = Less ground!
For Membership Information please see the link below!
A few words about Northern Lights, the Ontario Federation of 4WD Recreationists…
In 1998, the Northern Lights 4x4 Trailriders Association was founded with the primary mandate of ensuring the sustainability of 4-wheel drive-based recreational activities in Ontario. Although we have since become Northern Lights, the Ontario Federation of 4WD Recreationists, this remains the primary focus of the association. However, our scope has extended beyond that to include a variety of other interests. These include promotion of four-wheel drive (4WD) related activities and tourism, education of appropriate 4WD usage, and cooperative trail use strategies to name a few.
The OF4WD is an incorporated non-profit organization who has used a multi-faceted approach in pursuit of these initiatives. We are comprised of a seven member board of directors, a group of committee heads, and a number of committee members. The association is set up as a provincial umbrella, under which reside a number of organized and incorporated local 4WD clubs who express their unified voice through the OF4WD. However, these clubs are free to maintain their autonomy and diversity while in support of a common voice. Our structure is analogous to that of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs as an example.
In any given year, the OF4WD represents a majority of 4WD enthusiasts in the province of Ontario through both our club and individual membership programs, or through programs which impact non-member 4WD enthusiasts. We estimate that, due to the exclusive role the OF4WD fills within the province of Ontario for 4WD users, that we represent the interests of over fifty-thousand vehicle owners who will use their 4WD vehicle on public lands in Ontario this year alone. These recreationists will use their 4WD vehicles on the vast public trail system to access remote regions, to experience the unique relief of Ontario, and as a means to partaking in a variety of other outdoor activities. Much of our community use their 4WD vehicles to access remote locations, from which they will kayak, canoe, hike, or mountain bike to some of the most attractive destinations in the province.
Since its inception, the OF4WD has undertaken a number of initiatives which aim at protecting the resource our members enjoy in the public trail system. These include; trail clean-ups, trail development and restoration, trail maintenance, trail mapping and database projects, trail signage and development of cooperative trail use strategies. Each of these initiatives contributes to the sustainability of our trail infrastructure and the ability to accommodate a significant growth in this activity.
The OF4WD has also organized a number of association–wide charity events and other projects aimed at educating the public as to the true nature of our sport and promoting it as a truly unique recreation activity. The OF4WD also provides its members with extended liability insurance for use when partaking in related events. These initiatives help foster cooperative efforts with other trail user groups aimed at building a sustainable trail system which supports any number of usages. The OF4WD has been highly successful in gaining the respect and co-operation of peers and government officials alike due to the success of many of these programs.
The 4WD community in Ontario continues to be a significant source of income especially for rural communities. With the decreasing length of the snowmobile season, and its seasonal nature, 4WD-related activities prove to be a viable resource which supplement tourism-based economies all year round. The OF4WD is dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of a resource with massive tourism potential. Building a cooperative system, through which the growing number of 4WD-based trail users can continue to contribute to Ontario’s economy, is key to achieving our primary mandate and managing on of Ontario’s greatest assets
Expectations of OF4WD Individual Members and Member Clubs
When Trailriding:
- Be courteous to all other trail user groups you may encounter on the trail. These individuals have just as much “right” to be on the trails as you do. Pull over and let them pass, be friendly and wave.
- Maintain reasonable speeds on the trails at all times. There are often many blind corners and narrow passages on trails, proceed with caution through these sections as you may encounter other users.
- Ensure that everything you brought out on the trail returns with you. Secure items and be proactive in removing litter left by other users. Just because others are irresponsible does not give you the right to be also.
- Stay on the trail. Do not, under any circumstances, deviate from the trail or construct new trails, this is illegal.
- Do not cut down any standing trees on or off the trail. You may only remove deadfall that blocks your path on an existing trail, if you cannot pass without deviating from the trail, turn back.
- Always attempt to avoid areas which are environmentally sensitive (river crossings, marsh lands, etc…). These ecosystems are fragile and can be damaged by traffic through them. Choose trails that are elevated and rock-based during wet times of the season.
- Respect “multi-use” trails. Consider the other uses which may occur on trails and conduct yourself accordingly. Avoid damaging bridges or other trail features which are required by other user groups.
- Stay off private land and obey “No Trespassing” signs and other signage that may appear on the trail. Although we do not know whether all the signage we encounter on the trail was placed there by individuals who have a right to do so, we must assume that it has been.
- Do not abuse alcohol or any other substance when on the trail. Many of the same laws and penalties regarding drinking under the influence apply whether you are on or off-road. In fact, being in possession of open alcohol on public land (aside from a campsite) constitutes a fine.
- Promot “Organized” 4-wheeling to others. Encourage other 4WD enthusiasts you may meet to become involved in a 4WD club as this will help ensure education permeates throughout the community.
When Camping:
- Leave all campsites and lunch-spots cleaner than when you found them. It is for the benefit of all trail users that we do everything possible to maintain clean campsites and rest areas.
- Make sure that human waste is disposed of properly. If there are facilities at your campsite, use them. Otherwise, bury all human waste far from any bodies of water or environmentally sensitive areas.
- Use biodegradable soaps and cleaners only. Cleansers which are not approved for camping use contain phosphates, amongst other chemicals, which may disrupt the ecosystem in which you are using them.
- Always ensure that fires are contained and properly extinguished. Also, adhere to posted fire bans and warnings when having a fire. Do not burn items which release harmful chemicals upon combustion.
- Always ensure that all food & food waste is properly stored and disposed of. Food attracts animals which can make camping dangerous for you or others.
- Do not cut standing wood for use in fires. Only use deadfall when collecting wood for campfires.
- Try to avoid glass food containers. Glass containers can break which can lead to dangerous conditions for yourself and future campers.
- Be courteous to others who may pass by or be camped in the vicinity (noise, language, etc…). Promote a positive image for our sport and respect others around you.
When Planning Trail Runs & Small-Scale Events:
- Check the OF4WD Forums & Website. These locations will have posted information concerning trail conditions/restrictions which could impact your trip. Posted restrictions are due to sensitivities concerning particular trails and should be adhered to by all membership.
- Contact the OF4WD if the are further Questions. Contact the OF4WD with your questions rather than local officials, they don’t need many different groups calling for the same information. Use the OF4WD as a gateway to interact with officials at this level.
- Chose locations which are less traveled and environmentally robust. Lots of traffic places stress on trails, try to use a variety of trails and trail systems to lessen the impact on all trails. Make trail choices that avoid potentially sensitive areas.
Administrative & Other:
- Present yourself in the best way. Represent the sport in the best possible light when you are out. Remember that the way you perceive yourself is not necessarily the way people perceive you and that ones perception is their version of the truth.
- Promote education and the OF4WD. Whenever possible, try to educate your fellow 4-wheelers on responsible 4-wheeling practices. Actively promote support of the OF4WD and a unified community, it’s the only way to build a better system for all of us.
OF4WD Membership Code of Conduct
The following are a series of guidelines, developed by the OF4WD, for the purpose of creating a more pleasant environment in which to 4-wheel. Within the recommendations are guidelines that promote consideration for other 4WD enthusiasts, consideration for government representatives, and consideration for other user groups.
When interacting with other 4WD Enthusiasts
• Be civil and respectful to other 4WD enthusiasts independent of their opinions, relationships, or associations.
• Promote proper education and practices to all 4WD enthusiasts you encounter.
• Offer your assistance to other 4WD enthusiasts whenever it is safe and prudent to do so.
When interaction with other trail user groups
• Be courteous to all other trail users and offer assistance when safe and prudent to do so.
• Always yield the right of way to other users, especially if they are on non-motorized vehicles or on horseback.
• Make yourself available to authorities who require your assistance in search & rescue operations.
• Avoid following too closely and sudden vehicle motions that may require emergency maneuvering by others on the trail. Keep your vehicle within your control at all times.
• When encountering equestrian groups, pull over to the shoulder and turn off engines until all of those in the equestrian group have passed a safe distance.
When interacting with the public
• Be courteous of all individuals you interact with heading to and returning from the trail.
• Be aware that the perceptions formed regarding the 4WD community are largely from those who you interact with before and after trailriding.
• Plan staging areas that will not interfere with local business or people.
• Try to support local businesses whenever possible on 4WD trips.
When Trail Riding
• Never go 4-wheeling alone under any circumstances.
• Recognize that the reputation and image of all 4WD enthusiasts will be judged based on your actions and image.
• Do not drive on private land unless you have specific permission to do so from the landowner.
• Do not drive on trails that are gated, marked “closed”, marked “private”, or have other signage, which implies the state of the trail is in question.
• Avoid environmentally sensitive areas at all times.
• Do not litter in or pollute the environment in any way. Clean up spills and human waste appropriately. Leave the environment in better condition than when you found it.
• Do not damage or remove any standing trees or natural features of the trail. Avoid damaging growing foliage especially in the spring.
• Do not cut new paths, switchbacks, or trails unless you have express written permission from the appropriate officials to do so.
• Do not cross bridges that are not suitable or safe for the size of your vehicle.
• Comply with all laws and by-laws that apply when using public or private lands.
• Park and walk to sensitive scenic, historical or cultural destinations especially if no trail exists for their access.
• Restrict interaction with wildlife to viewing, do not feed the animals and practice safe camping practices.
• Avoid low-lying trails during the spring; choose rock-based trails early in the season.
• Ensure that your vehicle is in safe working condition and that all safety equipment is functional and properly used.
• Do not carry more passengers than you have appropriate safety equipment for.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol before of while operating your 4WD vehicle. Consume alcohol responsibly only at campsites.
• Do not let individuals who are uninsured or unqualified operate your 4WD vehicle at any time.
• During winter use, do not use any trail that is groomed or signed by a season-specific user group (i.e. snowmobiles, skiers).
When Camping
• Respect fire bans and keep campfires under control. Always ensure extinguishing materials are at hand at all times.
• Respect other camping in your vicinity.
• Use biodegradable soaps and cleansing products.
• Bury human waste a safe distance from any water source and at a sufficient depth.
• Maintain a clean campsite, respect the rights of other users to use that campsite also.
• Do not cut standing wood for use in fires, if possible purchase firewood at the nearest town.
OF4WD RESPECT Policy
Responsibility. You are responsible for your actions, vehicle, passengers, image, and impact on the environment.
Environmental respect, respect for other 4WD enthusiasts, respect for other user-groups, and respect for the trails.
Safety first! As a driver, passenger, and spectator always maintain a safe environment.
Prepare for any situations that you may encounter while 4-wheeling, both likely and unlikely.
Educate yourself and others as to appropriate use of 4WD vehicles and the rules & regulations of the region you intend to 4-wheel in.
Clean-up after yourself and others. Try to leave the land cleaner than when you arrived.
Togetherness & Teamwork, offer your help to those you meet on the trail, and never go 4-wheeling alone.
For more information, please see the link below
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OFTR Membership
Ontario Federation of 4WD Recreationists
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