Sharb Echo Scramble

This 296 km bikepacking loop highlights the vast trail network in the uninhabited wilderness of the highlands north of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Quick Stats

Length

293km

Ascent

2307m

Gravel

94%

High Point

427m

Difficulty

6/10

Overview

This 3-night, 296 km bikepacking loop highlights the vast trail network in the uninhabited wilderness of the highlands north of the Trans-Canada Highway. Best suited to plus sized or fatbike tires, the route follows rugged terrain along historic railway trails, ATV paths, rolling hydroline trails and windy logging roads that despite having all been marked as multi-use trails by the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance and despite its serious bikepacking potential, isn’t known to cyclists. The route loops around two provincial parks through large parcels of beautiful Crown land where there are a number of free campsites as well as a remote beach and an abandoned airstrip. A trailhead in Sharbot Lake is the easiest access point for anyone living between Ottawa and Toronto but other trailheads may help make resupplies easier.

This route was created by

Paul Galipeau at Decent Diversions.

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Mountain Chute Dam: In service since 1967, this remote generating station is an impressive piece of civil engineering that’s accessible either via sandy ATV trails or a very satisfying paved descent. Be warned though – you’ll need to climb back up to continue the route so if you don’t care about dams and a nice river view, you can skip this!
Irvine Lake Airstrip: Built in the 1980s, this abandoned government runway that continues to be occasionally used by the Canadian Army makes for another unique reminder that this secluded route has seen a real mix of human activity over the years.
Merrill Lake Beach: It’s a muddy, buggy, hike-a-bike kind of trail to get there but access to a remote sandy beach that’s a must for beach lovers who want a swim friendly campsite.
Crown Camping: Canadians in Ontario can camp on Crown land for free. Pitch your shelter anywhere or scope out one of the many established sites that speckle this loop. Not sure how to find Crown land? Google “CLUPA”. Short jaunts onto side roads or trails may reward you with spectacular sites. Fortune favours the bold. And remember, always LEAVE NO TRACE.

Flooding: To avoid flooding and bugs, this route is best done in late summer.
Hunting Season: Attempting this route in the fall would require bright clothing to ward off hunters
Food/Snacks: Carry lots of food, as resupply is limited

The Sharb-Echo Scramble can be tackled using either a drop-bar gravel bike or a rigid mountain bike, with the latter providing the most comfort on the rougher trail sections and if encountering the dreaded ‘fresh gravel’.

Mountain Bike: For mountain bikes, plus-sized or fat tires are ideal for much of the route. However, you could still ride the route with any MTB tires of 2″ or more.
Gravel Bike: If using a gravel/cross bike with 700 wheels, you’ll find the route easier to navigate with fatter tires. It has been ridden with 43mm tires, but the terrain is not conducive to a comfortable ride. You should also have some experience riding trails with this type of bike, or you may find yourself walking more than you like.
Setup: Run tubeless if possible. You can use bikepacking style bags or old-fashioned panniers. A lighter set-up allows of easier riding, especially in the hillier sections.

Having not ridden the route yet personally, I cannot yet provide ride notes.

Crown Camping: Canadians in Ontario can camp on Crown land for free. Pitch your shelter anywhere or scope out one of the many established sites that speckle this loop. Not sure how to find Crown land? Google “CLUPA”. Short jaunts onto side roads or trails may reward you with spectacular sites. Fortune favours the bold. And remember, always LEAVE NO TRACE.
Wild Camping: Along the route are many lakes and boat launches where one could pitch a tent for the night.
Cottages: Near to Mountain Chute, there are many cottages where you can find a good night’s sleep. Be sure to book early, as I have no doubt they fill up fast.

Fresh water: Many lakes and river dot the route, providing many opportunities to refill bottles. Be sure to always use a water filter or purification tablets. It’s also best policy to make sure you use flowing water, as it is less likely to grown bacteria that will make you sick. You can also access fresh water at campsites, police stations, fire stations and most cemeteries.
Food: Food will be the most challenging aspect to manage on this route. Large parts of the route take you through areas without convenience stores and restaurants. Be sure to always have snacks with you and when going through places like Actinolite and Sharbot Lake. The town of Northbrook, just off the route, has a well-stocked Foodland that is open 24 hours a day.