we are the Halton Agreement Forest Trail Association

There is no charge to use access the trails, but nothing is ever exactly free. HAFTA is all about spreading the stoke and wants to see continued trail access opportunities in the Halton Region forests. Unfortunately, we can’t do it all by ourselves and need rider support so that our volunteer-run, not-for-profit can afford to engage in official trail maintenance. Know that when you visit the Agreement forest and use the single-track trails, that Region does not maintain any of them. The work to keep these trails open is the product of thousands of unpaid volunteer hours accumulated over decades. Great trail networks don’t grow on trees, but under them with the support of a community. Please give back.

Not unless you hold a valid pass to enter Conservation Halton parks. Conservation Halton has invested money in creating and maintaining infrastructure in the park. Besides employee pay checks, this includes well stocked fire-pits, toilets, bridges, snowmobiles, trucks, chainsaws, and signage. Hilton Falls requires visitors to have a purchased day or seasons pass. If you possess either of these then by all means crossing between the two areas is acceptable. It is possible to avoid entering Hilton Falls property (watch for signs or trees painted red) while riding the AF, but you’d miss Bent Rim, relaxing at the fire-pit, watching the waterfall and have to ride a lot of double-track. The AF and Hilton Falls go together like peas and carrots, we are better off with them! Help them thrive and we will too.

For riders who have travelled, we’d classify our trails as intermediate, with some advanced sections. If you’ve only ridden local places like Albion Hills or Kelso you will find few beginner trails here. Our trails are mostly an oddity in Ontario and a consequence of rocky escarpment geography. Mountain biking is a sport that relies on skill and technical intricacy at least as much as it does on your fitness. The unique terrain of the Agreement Forest makes pairing this eminently apparent.

People may feel it unfair and frustrating that the courses in the Agreement forest are a step more technical than typical Ontario riding, but when you become bored with other Ontario offerings you’ll love it. The spirit of these trails is wilder and more rugged than most.

Please don’t! Don’t install handicaps, flatten or modify the trails by yourself. There are plenty of other riding styles that can be had in the area, starting right across the 401 at Kelso. Once Agreement Forest trails are within your skill level you’ll be hooked and glad there are places like it to further help you hone your skills.

You most certainly can! In years past winter riding opportunities were limited, but with the recent surge in popularity of the eponymous “Fat” bike, which can have tires up to five inches across, the Agreement forest has seen quite an increase in winter visitors. Of course not all trails are traveled in the winter as keeping a trail sufficiently packed down is a moving target. Many riders will cross-country ski and snow-shoe when the snow is fresh and then move to their bikes when the trails are compact. The trails in the forest are quite flat which makes for good winter riding and they seem to get the right number of riders to prevent significant ice. We definitely recommend carrying a spare winter jacket in your bag in case of mechanical and extra socks in case of wet feet. Swapping to a water bottle or Thermos helps prevent your drink from freezing and stopping by the fire-pit is a must if you’re just out for some fresh air. Pack a snack and something to sit on, warm your hands and remember the fat bikes are not always necessary!