Muskoka Hikes: A Guide to Seven (of the Many) Beautiful Hikes in Ontario’s Cottage Country
Muskoka, a big part of Ontario’s cottage country, is renowned for its shimmering lakes abundant in quantity, protruding rock escarpments from the Canadian Shield rock, and vibrant deciduous forests that paint a variety of colours during the autumn season. As such, there is an abundance of stunning hiking trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty. From dense forests to picturesque lakeshores, each trail offers a unique glimpse into the area’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Muskoka’s trails are sure to captivate and inspire. In this guide, we’ll take you through seven of the most beautiful hikes Muskoka has to offer.
- Trans-Canada Trail
- Lion’s Lookout Trail
- Hardy Lake Trails
- Skeleton Lake Fish Hatchery Trail
- Ragged Falls Trail
- Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
- Echo Valley Nature Trail
Trans-Canada Trail
While this trail traverses all of Canada and therefore isn’t confined to Muskoka, it passes through the region, through Gravenhurst, and North through Bracebridge and Huntsville, and onwards up to Lake Nipissing. As such, it has a variety of hiking opportunities through forests, along lakeshores, and past historic sites, offering hikers a chance to explore the diverse landscapes of Muskoka. The length and difficulty of the trail vary depending on the section you choose to hike. The website’s interactive map can help you determine what part of the trail you’d like to explore.
Lion’s Lookout Trail
The Lion’s Lookout Trail is located a short drive from the town center of Huntsville. The trail offers elevated views of the town and the Muskoka River to the west, and stunning panoramic views of Fairy Lake to the east, making it a popular spot for sunrise. During autumn, the region’s multicoloured foliage is on display. The intermediate trail is relatively short, about 1.3 kilometers round trip, and can be completed in under an hour. The terrain is easy to moderate, with a few steep sections, and a modest elevation gain of around 100 meters.
Hardy Lake Trails
Located near Torrance, the Hardy Lake Trails offer a peaceful hike through a variety of habitats circumnavigating Hardy Lake. The trailhead is located off South Portage Road, with parking available. The trail system is about 9 kilometers in total, with several loops that can be combined for a longer hike. The terrain is relatively easy, with some rocky sections and gentle inclines, and can be completed in 2-3 hours. There are some swimming spots to enjoy along the way, as well as beautiful views of Hardy Lake and the surrounding forests.
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Skeleton Lake Fish Hatchery Trail
The Skeleton Lake Trail is located a short drive from Rosseau, with the trailhead off Highway 114 on Fish Hatchery Road. The trail is a loop that winds through a mixed forest, offering views of Skeleton Lake along the way. The Ministry of Natural Resources used to operate a fish hatchery on this property where trout fingerlings were raised for release in local streams, but it was closed in 1991 and the hatchery ponds have since been naturalized. The trail is relatively easy, about 5 kilometers round trip, and can be completed in 1-2 hours. The elevation gain is minimal, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Ragged Falls Trail
Situated in Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park a short drive from Dwight, the Ragged Falls Trail is a short but scenic hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall fed from glacial meltwater. The trail is relatively easy, about 1 kilometer round trip, and can be completed in under an hour. The trailhead is located off Highway 60, with parking available. The trail offers stunning views of the falls and the surrounding gorge.
Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
Located near Milford Bay, a short drive from Port Carling from the Northwest and Bracebridge from the Southeast, the Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail has been a beloved scenic hike for over 100 years, and is known as one of the best places to catch a with panoramic views of Lake Mx`uskoka. The 2.5 kilometer loop trail is marked with white ribbons in trees and white marks on rocks, making it easy to navigate, and can be completed in under an hour. The terrain is easy, with a few rocky sections, and the rocks on this trail are some of the oldest in the world, dating back over a billion years.
Echo Valley Nature Trail
Located near Dwight in the Echo Valley Nature & Bike Trails, the Echo Valley Nature Trail offers a peaceful hike through a forested area. The trailhead is located off Echo Hills Road, with parking available. There are a total of over 3.5 km of trails consisting of the main trunk line and 14 smaller trails with varying degrees of difficulty. The main trail is relatively easy, about 3 kilometers round trip, and can be completed in approximately 30-45 minutes.
While these seven trails won’t disappoint, Muskoka is famous for its beautiful landscapes of lush forests, pristine lakes, and Canadian shield rock escarpments, so there are plenty more trails to explore. While hiking, lookout for the various wildlife in the area, both land animals and the many types of birds , and always practice outdoor safety.
If you’re planning a hiking vacation to Muskoka, our cottage country site has lots of information that can help you plan your perfect vacation, and if we can help in any way, please send us an email or give us a call.
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