more stats
827 ft
Distance
-21 ft
Descent
445 ft
High Point
-21 ft
Altitude change
424 ft
Altitude min
445 ft
Altitude start
423 ft
Altitude end
-2.5%
Grade
-8.7%
Grade max
0.9%
Grade min
594 ft
Distance down
233 ft
Distance flat

Higher Expectations Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Harmony Valley Conservation Area
    Oshawa, Ontario
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    25 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 95 in Trail Running
    • 90 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #204109 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #311844 in Trail Running
    • #35659 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    DH, AM
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Season
    Summer

The first half is probably the most gnarly line in the conservation area, the bottom half is smooth sailing til you hit the gully at the exit.

Access Info

The entrance is just behind the benches, look for the smashed-down fence. You could probably ride up it from the ditch by the culvert.

This trail is unsanctioned.

Disclaimer

There is no room to share the trail at near the top and people do walk their dogs up it from the creek, so be mindful before dropping in.

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 0 rides
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All
  • 3 rides
  • Last: Nov 21, 2025
update trails status or condition

Higher Expectations Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Sep 26, 2024 @ 12:35pm
Sep 26, 2024
 lots of debris (fallen leaves and twigs) from the recent storms on the upper half
Aug 19, 2024 @ 2:20pm
Aug 19, 2024
more »
Status:
on Sep 26, 2024
Ideal
no votes yet
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to higher-expectations trailhead (43.925560, -78.830820)
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      Nearby Trails

      Harmony Valley Conservation Area

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Higher Expectations located?
      Higher Expectations is located in Harmony Valley Conservation Area, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Harmony Valley Conservation Area trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 43.92556, -78.83082.
      ▼ How hard is Higher Expectations?
      Higher Expectations is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The average grade is 2.5%.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Higher Expectations?
      The trail has 21 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 424 ft to 445 ft.
      ▼ Is Higher Expectations a point to point trail?
      Higher Expectations is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Higher Expectations?
      Higher Expectations is 827 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Higher Expectations?
      There is no information about dogs being allowed on Higher Expectations. Check with local trail managers or the trail page for the latest access rules.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Higher Expectations?
      Higher Expectations is best visited during: Summer.
      ▼ How do I access Higher Expectations? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Higher Expectations are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How busy is Higher Expectations?
      Higher Expectations is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 41 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 45 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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