The Trails of Algonquin Highlands

Frost Centre Hiking Trails

Map: FrostCentre.pdf

Length: 2-11km stacked loop

Difficulty: Various loops available ranging from easy-moderate-challenging

Description: Choose from 6 different trails – there’s something for everyone! Enjoy the views from the lakeshore or choose a more challenging trek into the hills and be rewarded with scenic lookouts over Lake St. Nora.

Directions: Located along Hwy35, approx. 25km North of Carnarvon, or 12km South of Dorset. Trails can be accessed from the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails office location at 20130 Hwy 35 (East side of Hwy), on the Frost Centre Institute property. Parking is available on the West side of the Hwy.

GPS location: UTM Zone 17. 0669401E 5002751N

Beetle Lake Trail

Map: Beetle-Lake-Trail.pdf

Length: 5km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

Description: This scenic trail will give you a winter workout that is sure to get the blood pumping. Be on the lookout for signs of wildlife along the way – especially where the trail crosses Oxbow Creek and along the short stretch that follows a logging road. The trail ends at Elliot Road just North of Hwy 60. Follow the Highway west back to the access point (approximately 500m). A word of caution, there are two steep sections along this trail so trekking poles are advised.

**Please note that the first 750m of the Beetle Lake Trail are shared with the Blue Spruce ski trails – kindly stay to the side of these groomed tracks while snowshoeing. **

Directions: 15km east of the town of Dwight on Hwy 60 in the village of Oxtongue Lake, turn onto Algonquin Outfitters Road (North) – parking is available at the Outfitters. The trail begins just beyond the store on the left hand side at #1035 Algonquin Outfitters Rd.

GPS location: UTM Zone 17. T 0662459E 5027454N

Circuit of 5 Viewpoints

Map: AlgonquinTrails.pdf

Length: 5km loop

Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging

Description: The most popular summer hiking trail in the Highlands is just as popular in the winter! The challenging climbs (and descents!) are worth every effort and reward snowshoers with spectacular views of the Kennisis River valley. A word of caution – steep slopes can be quite slippery. Trekking poles and snowshoes with crampons are highly recommended.

Directions: At Halls Lake on Hwy 35 (North of the town of Minden), take Little Hawk Lake Rd (County Rd. 13) East and proceed 8km (almost to the end of the road). Parking and the trailhead kiosk are found on the left at #2029 Little Hawk Rd.

GPS location: UTM Zone 17. T 0679034E 50000120N

Crests of Kennisis

Map: AlgonquinTrails.pdf

Length: 5km Linear

Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging

Description: This trail begins by crossing the Big Hawk Lake dam and climbing atop a rocky ridge where you can take in the stunning sites and sounds of the Kennisis River, with a more remote feel than some of the other trails in the area. The trail ends at the Circuit of 5 Viewpoints Trail 5km later – Follow the trail signs to Viewpoint #5 to exit at the Little Hawk Lake parking area. There is also the added benefit of viewing the interpretive signage and display explaining the history of logging in the area as well as the existing historic log chute still present at the dam which must be crossed to access the beginning of the trail.

**A word of caution – steep slopes can become quite slippery. Be especially cautious at the start of this trail. Trekking poles and snowshoes with crampons are highly recommended.**

Directions: At Halls Lake (North of the town of Minden) on Hwy35. Take little Hawk Lake road (County Rd. 13) East and proceed to Big Hawk Lake Rd. Turn left (North) onto Big Hawk Lake Rd and continue to the Historic Log Chute – parking is available alongside the road at #1584 Big Hawk Rd.

** A car shuttle is required if completing the trail in one direction. See Circuit of 5 Viewpoints for driving directions to the other end of the trail **

GPS location: UTM Zone 17. T 0677468E 5001267N

Alven Ferguson Trail

Map: AlgonquinTrails.pdf

Length: 1.14km Linear

Difficulty: Moderate

Description: The Alven Ferguson trail provides a more relaxed style jaunt through a beautiful mixed hardwood forest where it connects with the Ridge trail. If you walk approximately 200m North on the Ridge trail you will find a lean to style snowshoeing shelter which provides a chance to relax in the quiet serenity of winter solace. Users often keep a stash of dry fire wood here for the opportunity to have a fire to warm by while visiting this location.

** please keep any fires within the built up fire pit and extinguish upon exiting **.

You can extend the hike by traveling either South or North on the Ridge Trail to end at the James Cooper Lookout Trail to the South or the Circuit of 5 Viewpoints Trail to the North. The hike is concluded by returning via the same trail.

Directions: Take North Shore Rd. (5 km North of the town of Carnarvon on Hwy 35) to Mc Phail Rd (North side of North Shore Rd.) and follow to the parking area just before Maple Lake Landfill site on the right hand side at #1317 Mc Phail Rd. The trail begins from the parking area.

GPS location: UTM Zone 17. T 0681035E 4996165N

Algonquin Highlands Ridge Trail

Map: AlgonquinTrails.pdf

Length: 5km or 8 km Linear

Difficulty: Challenging

Description: This trail is recommended only for the truly adventurous and experienced snowshoer. Begin your trek on North Shore Rd at the James Cooper Lookout Trailhead or to shorten the trip begin or end at the Alven Ferguson Trailhead (above). This trail follows varied terrain through both hardwood and mixed forests. It passes several beaver pond areas and offers a shelter/rest area just north of the Alven Ferguson Trail junction (description above). The trail connects with the Circuit of 5 Viewpoints Trail (See Above for trail description and directions to parking/pick up point) which can be followed to the pick up point at Little Hawk Lake Road. This is a true backcountry snowshoeing experience that gives the user a real sense of solitude. Due to the longer distance and varying terrain trekking poles and snowshoes with crampons are recommended.

Directions: Take North Shore Rd (5km North of the town of Carnarvon on Hwy 35) to the Algonquin Highlands Township Office (1123 North Shore Rd). Winter parking is available at the Township Office and the trailhead is just another 500m further East off the road on the North side, across from 1242 North Shore Rd. See description for information on pick up points.

** A car shuttle is required to complete the Algonquin Highlands Ridge Trail in one direction. See the Alven Ferguson or Circuit of 5 Viewpoints trail descriptions for driving directions to the other end of the trail.**

GPS Location: UTM Zone 17. T 0680558/4994116

James Cooper Lookout Trail

Length: 1.5km Loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Description: This trail begins with a steep ascent to the lookout point through a mixed hardwood forest. It is well worth the climb to the excellent vantage point reached at the apex giving a spectacular view of Beech Lake. Complete the loop by following Mifflin Road south to North Shore Road and west back to your vehicle.

Directions: Same as the access to Algonquin Highlands Ridge Trail (Above)

GPS Location: UTM Zone 17. T 0680558/4994116