From peaceful fire trails to pulse-raising mountain tracks, Frenchs Forest is a cycling playground nestled between the Northern Beaches and Garigal National Park.
Whether you’re planning a breezy weekend ride with the kids or looking for a trail that’ll challenge your fitness, this suburb and its surroundings offer a diverse mix of cycling experiences.
Here’s our pick of the top routes for both family outings and serious pedal power.
Why bike in Frenchs Forest?
This leafy suburb offers more than just quiet streets and bushland backdrops. With its central location between beaches, national parks and neighbouring hubs like Belrose, Davidson and Allambie Heights, Frenchs Forest is a launch pad for cyclists of all kinds.
The area boasts a growing network of shared paths, fire trails, and mountain bike routes, along with plenty of spots to grab a coffee, let the kids play, or simply take in the view.
Top family-friendly cycling routes
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
An 8.4 km sealed loop around Narrabeen Lake, this is one of the Northern Beaches’ most scenic flat rides. Ideal for families, it features rest areas, picnic spots, playgrounds and water views at every turn. Easily accessed via Aquatic Drive or Wakehurst Parkway.
Glenrose to Lionel Watts Reserve loop
This gentle suburban loop makes use of wide shared paths and quiet local streets, connecting Glenrose Village, Lionel Watts Park and the Showground. Great for beginners with nearby toilets, cafés and open green spaces.
Manly Dam (beginner section)
The western side of Manly Dam offers smooth bush tracks suitable for confident young riders. It’s a great stepping stone before tackling the full mountain bike loop. Entry points from King Street or Allambie Road.
Warringah Aquatic Centre to Wyatt Reserve
Take the shared path starting from the Warringah Aquatic Centre, with a mostly flat gradient and shady areas. This low-key ride is ideal for prams, scooters and beginner cyclists.
Challenging trails for keen cyclists
Manly Dam MTB Trail (full loop)
This 10 km mountain bike trail is famous for a reason. Technical climbs, rock gardens, tight singletrack and thrilling descents await experienced riders. Start near Allambie Heights and allow around 1–1.5 hours depending on pace and stops.
Cascades Trail, Garigal National Park
Accessed via Morgan Road in Belrose or Acron Street in St Ives, the Cascades features a mix of fire trails, creek crossings, and steep gradients. Popular with intermediate to advanced riders looking for a scenic bushland challenge.
Heath Track & Bare Creek Trail
Located near Ralston Avenue in Belrose, this network of technical trails cuts through Garigal’s rugged terrain. Expect loose gravel, climbs and bushland beauty. Suitable for fit riders with solid mountain biking skills.
Wakehurst Parkway to West Head Road (on-road route)
For endurance road cyclists, this is a long scenic ride through Terrey Hills, McCarrs Creek and out to West Head Lookout. Expect hills, ocean views, and little in the way of traffic lights. Best tackled early in the day with plenty of water.
Where to rest, refuel and repair
After your ride, stop in at Crave Nutrition for smoothies, or grab a coffee at Glenrose Village or Barrel One Belrose. Lionel Watts Reserve and Narrabeen Lagoon both have public toilets and water bubblers.
Need a tune-up? Head to nearby bike shops like Brookvale Bike Factory or Bike Addiction in Manly for gear, repairs or upgrades.
Safety tips and gear essentials
- Always wear a helmet – it keeps you safe and it’s the law in NSW
- Check local trail conditions and signage, especially in bushland areas
- Carry water, snacks, and a small repair kit for longer rides
- Use sun protection and bug spray on summer rides
- Download apps like Trailforks or Komoot for trail maps and GPS tracking
- Remember to tell someone where you are going and how long you expect to be, particularly if you are heading off on a longer or more challenging trail
Join the local cycling community
There are plenty of ways to ride local and connect. Check out events like Northern Beaches Council’s ‘Bike Week’ or join a community ride through social platforms or groups like Sydney MTB Riders or Trail Share Australia.
Some local groups include:
Manly Warringah Cycling Club – Catering to all ages and abilities, focussing on social rides, coffee stops and club races. Strong emphasis on building a cycling community.
Bike North – Offers over 40 rides a month for all levels of experience with a strong focus on safer cycling conditions.
Garigal Gorillas – A focus on mountain biking and advocating for trail development,
Northern Beaches Bikers – A focus on social rides, often with a coffee stop and some off-road sections, and welcomes riders of all ages and levels.
Various groups also run skills clinics for kids during the holidays so keep an eye out on local social media pages and the council website.
Ride your way through Frenchs Forest
From lake loops to bush tracks, Frenchs Forest is one of the Northern Beaches’ most underrated cycling hubs. With easy access to family-friendly rides and technical trails, there’s no better place to get your tyres spinning.
Thinking about moving closer to the action?
Talk to the team at JDH Real Estate about homes near Frenchs Forest’s best riding trails. We know the lifestyle, the land, all the things that make this area such a great place to live.
