Trail Overview

Ardbeg South Trail in Ontario is a 32 km Crownland 4x4 route starting at Black Lake. Expect granite slabs, mud holes, off-camber sections, and multiple lines. Rated moderate; stock 4x4s can run main routes, harder offshoots need lockers and a winch. Scenic, technical, and popular for camping and day runs.

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Difficulty

This trail has obstacles that require driver skill and occasional low-speed rock work; a high-clearance 4×4 with off-road experience can usually get through mainlines. Offshoots and lines can be much harder.

History

Ardbeg was once a small lumber town, built around sawmills on nearby Gooseneck Lake. In the early 1900s, the area thrived on timber and rail transport via the Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway. The forested Crown land was later repurposed for recreational use. The southern trail follows Hydro One transmission lines, once part of industrial infrastructure.

Technical Rating

Adventure 5th Gen Ram

May 24, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

We were there on a wet rainy day. Did the 32 kms from Black lake to the Hydro Line. Fun trip with lots of challenges for a full-size rig. Took us a whopping 9 hours front to back

Justin Everett

Mar 28, 2026

Open

Snow/IceWashboard

Very good trail to ride just make sure you have lots of gas. The snow was kind of deep not to bad definitely rideable but their are some really big inclines on this trail that require a lot of momentum to get up if not you will find your self trying to back down them to get another run up. In the first hour you will come across on smaller mud hole witch was great to go there decent hard bottom then after up the trailer alittle more is a big was out and the only way to get around is to drive around and back up the bank on the right side very cool trail for some one looking to expand their experience level in off-roading