Mountain Biking at Keppoch
Ride all year long
Whether you're riding on the gentle crushed gravel, technical single track, heart pounding climbs, high-speed downhill runs or cruising the pump track, the Keppoch has you covered. Our multi-use trail system has something to offer every skill level and riding style. We also encourage everyone with a fat tire bike to get out and test their skills over the winter months on our groomed trails. Keppoch offers lift access shuttle runs, check our shuttle report for the latest times & updates.
Keppoch's Epic Shuttles
Eppoch Mountain Biking
Eppoch Races
Eppoch Shuttles
Eppoch Trails
We have 9 trails that are designated for downhill mountain bike traffic only. As an easy guide, with some exceptions, these trails are within the Summit Loop Hiking route. The Trails are, from East to West:
Chicken Cougar
Roller
Dirt Surfer (Brand new Summer 2023)
Switchcraft
Money Shot
Old School
Oldie Roller
OllieBot (Brand new Spring 2023)
Skyline
Following Hurricane Fiona, the following trails have been closed:
Cavalier: The Fall (indefinitely, at least for 2023)
Freeride (indefinitely, at least for 2023)
Riverside (permanently, with a new trail built in the area)
Mountain Biking Safety & Risk Awareness Information
All Riders, Parents & Guardians
Injuries are a common and expected part of mountain-biking. We strongly suggest that full face helmets, full length gloves, biking armor and a full suspension bike be used at Keppoch Mountain. If you are new to mountain biking at Keppoch, or the Parent or Guardian of a younger rider, please familiarize yourself with the mountain by starting with our beginner level trails and increasing the degree of difficulty of the trails you ride by following the Ride Smart guides below. More challenging terrain and features should not be attempted unless the rider has the appropriate skills, experience, and equipment to effectively negotiate such trail sections.
Shuttle age Policy
Children 12 and under are required to be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian (19yrs or older) when riding our downhill trails. Children 13-15 are strongly recommended to be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian (19yrs or older) when riding our downhill trails. A parent or guardian must sign the Keppoch Release of Liability Waiver for the child at the time of purchase of shuttle pass or have agreed to the Keppoch Release of Liability Waiver when creating a HelloClub account online.
Equipment Recommendations
Shuttle
Boarding the shuttle requires significant strength when loading a bike and children may require assistance. If you are unfamiliar with the bike loading process, please let our staff know and they can walk you through a demonstration before proceeding to use the shuttle. The shuttle is designed to be loaded with bikes starting from the back left, moving forwards towards the truck, moving to the right side, then finished at the back right (a U shape). Following this pattern makes loading and unloading faster and easier for both users and bikes.
Equipment
All bikes should have one functioning brake per wheel. Disc brakes are recommended due to steep grades on downhill trails, which necessitate disc brakes for adequate stopping power. Cantilever brakes will increase the fatigue factor as more effort will be required to maintain control. All downhill users should ride a properly sized bike and should be able to stand over the seat with their feet flat on the ground. A bike that is too large or with a high seat post increases the risk of injury.
Trails
The level of risk increases with the level of difficulty. Black trails often have significant drops and jumps that require skill and experience to navigate. Many difficult trails have a "gate-keeper" feature at the top designed to keep riders with insufficient skills off trails that will be beyond their ability, do not ride around these features. Young riders become a hazard to other riders if they are unable to ride a trail or move out of the way. Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times and should be monitored for fatigue regularly.
Clothing
Protective clothing and equipment are mandatory for young riders. The best protection from abrasion requires a properly fitted full-faced helmet, gloves, long pants, long sleeves, leg armour, arm armour and solid running shoes
Cross Country & Enduro Race Events:
Every year racers from around Atlantic Canada travel to the Keppoch to test themselves at our Enduro and Cross Country races. Keep an eye on our events calendar to come come out and compete or cheer on the racers.
Riders are also welcome to come out and enjoy our well maintained trails any time of the year. All trails are well marked and rated for skill levels.
Ride Smart
Slow down before you speed up!
Crashes can happen on your first lap. Ride the trail multiple times to get familiar with the features and equipment you’re on so you can confidently push your limits without pushing your threshold.
Pre-Ride
Warm up the brain and body and inspect the trail at low speed.
Re-ride
Lap a trail a few times and get to know the flow of the features.
Free-ride
Start small and work your way up to faster speeds and larger features.
Mountain Bike Checklist
Before you ride:
Have you purchased your shuttle pass (link)?
Are you familiar with the bike park signage?
Do you have hydration?
Do you have a trail map or link to a map/app?
Do you have a mountain bike that is in good working order?
Do you have protective gear?
Bike Responsibility Code
Mountain biking involves elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
Please adhere to the responsibility code and share a safe experience with others.
Ride in control and within your ability level. You must be able to avoid other people or objects.
Stay off the shuttle and trails if your ability is impaired by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue.
All riders must wear a helmet. Other protective equipment is strongly recommended.
Inspect your bike or have it checked by a qualified bike mechanic before you ride.
Be sure to have the physical dexterity, ability, and knowledge to safely load, ride, and unload the shuttle. Ask the shuttle attendant for assistance if you need it.
Be aware of changing conditions on trails and features. Inspect features before use and throughout the day.
Stay on marked trails. Obey all signs and warnings. Do not cut switchbacks. Keep off closed areas.
Avoid riders ahead of you. They have the right of way.
Look uphill and yield to other riders when entering a trail or starting downhill.
Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
If you are involved in or witness a collision or accident, you must identify yourself to the Bike Patrol.
Do not feed, provoke, or approach wildlife.