Thornhill Loop

Thornhill Loop in Maple Ridge is a solid go-to if you want a longer forest workout without needing big-mountain fitness. The loop is about 10.5 km with 355 m of gain, usually taking around 3 hours at a steady pace. It’s rated easy on paper, but recent hikers are calling it closer to low-moderate, especially with the mud and the length.

The trail winds through classic Maple Ridge second-growth forest, with a mix of wider gravel paths, rooty singletrack, and some short, punchy climbs. There aren’t really any big viewpoints on Thornhill Loop, so the appeal is more about steady cardio, quiet woods, and the occasional bench or clearing. You’ll cross and share sections with mountain bike trails, so keep an eye out for riders and make sure you’re staying on the right line.

Right now, expect wet sections and deep mud in places, with some spots reportedly up to the shins after heavy rain, plus a few small trees down. The route can get confusing with multiple junctions and bike spurs, so download a map or use GPS; most locals use AllTrails to stay on the Thornhill Loop proper. This isn’t ideal for small kids or absolute beginners, but it’s great for training hikes year-round if you bring waterproof boots, a change of socks, and a willingness to get dirty.