The Trails of Algonquin Highlands

• Hiking Trails
• Hikes
• Other Trails in and around Algonquin Highlands
• Trail Etiquette & Safety
• Events in the Area
• Contact Information

A new trail guide outlining all of the Township of Algonquin Highlands Hiking Trails is available at each of the Trail Heads as well as from various information centres throughout Haliburton County, including Minden Tourism, Dorset Scenic Tower and Trails and Tours. This guide provides hikers with information and maps of the 10 trails within the Township, totaling over 38 km of hiking trails to enjoy!

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is home to some of central Ontario’s best trails to discover, explore and experience!  The Haliburton Highlands, A Natural Work of Art, is a superior place to visit, live, work and play.

The Township provides and manages some 38 + km’s of backcountry hiking and walking trails throughout the highlands through mystical forests, meandering along scenic rivers, rising up to amazing lookouts and destinations to one of a kind heritage sites.  The ongoing development and enhancement of these trails is the result of countless community and volunteer contributions and the efforts of several partner organizations such as the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network.

NOTICES

• NEW - Winter Camping – effective November 2009, permits and reservations are now required for overnight camping January 2 to December 18 annually. We ask that those winter camping still remember to stay on the designated campsites and that area rules and regulations still apply. Reservations for 2010 can be made starting January 2, 2010.
• NEW - Snowshoe and x- Country Ski Rentals are available starting January 2 onsite at the HHWT - Frost Centre office – click here for more information
• Site closures during Winter operations include:
  Poker Lakes Area
  Big East Lake – 3, 10, 13 Frost Centre Area
  Big Hawk – 64A, 64C
  Black Lake – 8
  Black River – 96, 97
  Herb Lake – 88, 88A
  Nunikani Lake -26, 63A, 63B
  Raven Lake – 94A
  Red Pine Lake - 34, 34A
  Sherborne – 18B, 25

topAlgonquin Highlands Hiking Trails

(click on links to view maps - PDF format)

• Alven Ferguson Trail a short hike of 0.7 km to connect to the Ridge Trail, James Cooper or CV5.
• Beech River Trail a casual walk 1.3 km along the scenic river for bird and wildlife viewing.
• Beetle Lake Trail hike 5 km across an active beaver pond, bog and through hardwood hills to a lookout of Oxtongue Lake.
• Circuit of 5 Viewpoint Trail (CV5) hike 5 km overlooking rugged valleys, placid rivers and amazing fall colours!
• Crests of Kennisis Trail (Crests) hike 6 km of highlands on towering ridgelines to stunning cliff-top views.
• Dorset Scenic Tower Trail  a challenging hike 1.5 km from the Dorset Museum to the top of 25 m Fire Tower to view 800 sq. km’s.
• Frost Centre Hiking Trails explore 10 km’s of trail loop on the Geomorphology, Acclimatization or Forest Management loops.
• James Cooper Lookout Trail  hike 1.5 km to a lookout over Maple, Beech, Boshkung and Twelve Mile Lakes.
• Log Chute Trail hike a 0.5 km stroll to see Ontario’s one of kind historic log chute heritage site.
• Ridge Trail hike 8 km of challenging backcountry forest and hillsides, the backbone of Algonquin Highlands.

topHikes

• Forest Management
• Geocaching
• Geomorphology

topOther Trails in and around Algonquin Highlands

Cross Country Ski Trails

• Ski Friends of the Frost
• Nordic Inn
• Blue Spruce Resort

Snowshoe Trails

• Trail Reference Guide

Mountain Biking Trails

• Nordic Inn
• Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd.
  

Snowmobile Trails

• Haliburton County Snowmobile Association
• Tall Pines Snowmobile Club
• Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd.

ATV Trails

• Haliburton ATV Association

Other Trail and Tourism Links

• Haliburton Highlands Tourism
• Haliburton Highlands Water Trails
• Haliburton Trails & Tours Network

topTrail Etiquette & Safety

• Plan ahead and prepare – file a trip plan, go with a friend, dress appropriately, carry first aid/survival kit, water, map, compass, whistle
• Respect private property, stay on trails marked with blue diamonds – many trails cross private property
• Expect and respect other trail users
• Use trails for designated use only
• Motorized & bike users should yield to hikers and horseback riders
• Keep Dogs leashed & maintain distance from wildlife
• Leave No Trace - Pack out all garbage and litter
• No camping or fires along the trails
• Backcountry trails have inherent risks – use at your own risk and skill level – trail ratings are guidelines only
• Be aware of hunting seasons – wear blaze orange
• Caution should be exercised near cliffs, slippery slopes, foot bridges and dam structures year round
• For all emergencies call 911 – know the trail head 911 road number and name address – be advised that area cellular telephone  service is not 100%

topEvents in the Area

• Stewardship Discovery Days

Contacts

For specific information about area management contact:

Haliburton Highlands Water Trails Office

20130 Hwy # 35 North (beside Frost Centre Institute)

Mailing Address:
Township of Algonquin Highlands Trails Department
R.R. # 2, Minden, ON  K0M 2K0

Telephone: 705-766-9033
Fax 705-766-2402

Email: thehhwt@aol.com

Water Web: www.algonquinhighlands.ca/water
Trails Web: www.algonquinhighlands.ca/trails

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Remember these trails were built for your use,
so please enjoy them!