Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Ottawa, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
0n 9/20/24, we rode on mostly crushed stone for a round trip distance of 20 miles. 32 c tires would be suitable. Need to be careful of the many deep ruts in the direction of travel. They will surely ruin your day. The trail was mostly shady. We encountered many branches across the trail. There must have been a severe storm the day before. There were also numerous spider webs across the trail. In the 20 mile trip, we never encountered another person on the trail. Restrooms at Caryle and Colony trailheads. Water at Colony and Iola trailheads.
I was traveling in the area and needed to kill a little time and found the Prairie Spirit Trail. I parked in Ottawa and rode south a few miles. I normally don’t ride gravel but this was superb. I turned around and rode back north on the paved trail in town to the end. I was not able to enjoy the entire trail but I will return here now that I’ve discovered it. I give this one five stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode an electric bike with 4" tires on three separate rides. All of them were about 10 miles out and back (in 2 days):
Council Grove heading East,
Allen heading West, and
Ottawa heading East.
I drove from Texas to ride them and they did not disappoint! I came for the solitude and the scenery. The western end was reminiscent of scenes from Dances With Wolves. The eastern end was more wooded and shaded. I hope to return to ride other parts too.
Extra wide sidewalk for bikes too. Not very smooth but leads to I-Alan park and path connecting to TC trail.
Detours from 69 construction make this confusing to get to where you want to go. Hopefully when the construction is done it will be easier. Need some better Detour signs. Nice ride thru the trees.
Great trail for inline speed skating or just regular inline skating. It wasn't crowded, and the people that I passed responded well to my bike bell (also, slow down and be polite as you pass ¿)
Lodging note. There is a new Holiday Inn Express on the Prairie Spirit Trail in Ottawa (just off I-35). They even have a short sidewalk connecting the 30’ between their parking lot and the actual trail. After getting on the main trail south of I-35, the trail is 90% canopied by the trees. In sections it’s just a green tunnel- great for hot sunny days. And rabbits. Lots and lots of rabbits. :o). Even saw a Bobcat run across the trail. out in front of us.
The trail is closed between 75th and 73th streets. It is possible to turn east to Wyandotte, go 4 blocks then turn west to return to the route.
I can’t imagine a more beautiful ride! It had rained early in the day so the stream was flowing beautifully. Most of the trail runs right along the water so you can enjoy it throughout. There were a few parts of the trail that were a little bit rough and it was more walkers than bikers, but I absolutely loved it!
This trail is fantastic year round! Be sure to take the time to enjoy the Ted Ensley Garden along the way. So well maintained and easy to access.
Ottawa Trailhead to Richmond. About 27 miles round trip & 272 ft. climb. Quick, easy ride. Well maintained trail with good surface for our hybrid bikes. It was a destination trail for us and glad we made to effort to experience it.
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