Three K&P Trail Town Starts & Stellar Rides in Eastern Ontario

Get to know the K&P Trail and immerse yourself deep into the heart of Frontenac County, eastern Ontario, riding through pristine wilderness, farmlands and Canadian Shield. From three well situated trailside village start spots enjoy a cruisy day ride out and back from Sharbot Lake to Clarendon Station (north) or Verona and Harrowsmith (south). Or cut deeper into the treed forests and lake lands on extended gravel adventures and multi-day bikepacking adventures – the choices are boundless.

If you are not already familiar with the K&P Trail, this 180km long rail trail, affectionately known as the Kick and Push, is on the bed of the former Kingston and Pembroke Railway that was built to carry locally produced goods to Kingston, Ottawa and Toronto in the 1880’s. Decommissioned in the 1960’s this extensive trail now connects downtown Kingston to Ottawa Valley, with the heart of the trail, and well used 90km section, situated in Frontenac County.

Sharbot Lake

One of the larger communities, Sharbot Lake is an ideal spot to start a ride north or south, exploring the K&P Trail. With a range of accommodations, good food fueling options and a craft brewery, follow the well situated signs from the trailside facilities and beachside parking area. North to Clarendon Station is an easy 13km each way. While plans are underway to resurface the rougher section further north, it is not recommended for all but the most adventurous. But for those willing to make gravel road detours, a reward awaits at the Back Forty Artisan Cheese, dairy farm and riverside bistro in Mississippi Station.

Following the K&P Trail south is another day ride option that will thrill the rail trail lover. It’s just 14km each way to Tichborne, leaving plenty of time to return to Sharbot Lake to stop for refreshments at Cardinal Cafe, Kick & Push Brewery, or Belong, a higher end bistro overlooking the lake.

For longer, more challenging rides:

• Try the 91km Tay Valley Traverse, a gravel road loop from Sharbot Lake to Perth.
• Or intersperse your ride with sections through Sharbot Lake that are mapped out as part of the Log Driver’s Waltz, an 800km bikepacking adventure in eastern Ontario and parts of Quebec.

Where to stay:

• Rock Hill B&B – Hill top lake views over Sharbot Lake, certified bicycle friendly accommodation
• Clarendon Station Air B&B – Former rail station and renovated cottage stay, ideal for groups, certified bicycle friendly accommodation
• Sharbot Lake Provincial Park – Camping with excellent facilities and lake access

Verona

The small village of Verona has trailhead parking for easy access to the K&P Trail. Ride 10km north to Hinchinbrooke Station and Cole Lake, or a total of 20km north as far as Tichborne and return. Pack what you need to eat and drink for the trail ride picking up supplies before setting out at local grocery, farm and sandwich store, Food Less Travelled or stop in town for home cooked comfort food at Muddy Waters Restaurant.

For recreational enthusiasts Verona is has much to do and see. After exploring the trail consider paddling, boating or fishing on one of the dozens of lakes surrounding the town.

For longer, more challenging rides:

• While shorter in length the 34km paved road Desert Lake cycling route just east of Verona will immerse you in the Canadian Shield and rugged beauty of the area as well passing close to the entrance of beautiful Frontenac Provincial Park, for further forays.
• Starting just west of town try the 80km gravel road Central Frontenac Circuit.

Where to stay:

• Desert Lake Resort – For tent camping, RV’s and cottage rentals
• Frontenac Provincial Park – Camping and backcountry sites to hike or canoe to, plus outfitters close by

Harrowsmith

The intersection of two trails that run through this small village makes it an ideal place to start a ride north and south on the K&P Trail, or east and west on the Cataraqui Trail. Pedal 10km north to Verona, or 32km south to get to downtown Kingston, all on the K&P Trail. Take in the rock cuts and wetland crossings, forests and quiet trail before emerging into civilization in Kingston. The Cataraqui Trail offers ample more trail ride options as the 104km trail runs west towards Napanee and east to Smiths Falls. Find several pizza joints in the village or travel further afield to the endless foodie choices in Kingston. Beer lovers may want to try the local craft brews of Harrowsmith Brewing Company that can be found at a number of LCBO outlets, restaurants, bars and farmers markets or events in the area.

For longer, more challenging rides:

• Just north from Kingston try the 47km North Kingston to Inverary Loop.
• Dubbed the Choo Choo Loop, this 368km bikepacking loop that includes the K&P Trail, Cataraqui Trail and Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail, plus a few detours, which are detailed in this blog, can be started from Harrowsmith or any of the small towns and villages included above.

Where to stay

• Kingston and area – Find a large number of accommodation choices

Getting out and exploring the K&P Trail can include a small ride village to village and return, or a longer ride to explore and take in all the delightful scenery Frontenac County and the larger area has to offer.

For Additional information on the K&P Trail, visiting and cycling in Frontenac County visit:

• Take a virtual tour of the K&P Trail
• Download maps and find all trail info – www.frontenaccounty.ca
• South Eastern Ontario – Great Places to Cycle – Ontario By Bike – Find cycling routes and trails and bicycle friendly places to visit, eat, and sleep
• North Hastings, Frontenac and L&A – Great Places to Cycle – Ontario By Bike – Find cycling routes and trails and bicycle friendly places to visit, eat, and sleep

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Sponsored Content Partner: Frontenac County

Article by Ontario By Bike. Photo credits: 1, 2, 5 – Jeffery Gee; 3 – Ontario By Bike; 4 – Noel & Kathy Bateman; 6 – Alija Bos