Ultimate Hiking Trails in Muskoka for Views and Waterfalls
Muskoka is one of Ontario’s most enchanting destinations, offering unforgettable experiences in every season. From sun-soaked summer days on the lakes to snowy winter adventures beneath the Northern Lights, there is always something to discover.
For me, however, nothing compares to exploring the countless hiking trails in Muskoka. The region is home to thousands of kilometres of paths winding through forests, across the Canadian Shield, and past sparkling lakes and waterfalls. Muskoka boasts some of the finest hikes in the province.
Whether you’re looking to tackle iconic Algonquin Park favourites such as the Barron Canyon Trail and Lookout Trail or seeking quieter gems like Fairy Trail on Beausoleil Island, this guide shares trails to suit every pace and interest. I’m dishing out my favourite place to go hiking in Muskoka, in celebrated provincial parks to lesser-known paths.
Let’s lace up our boots, don the bug spray, grab our backpacks and hit the trails.
Lookout Trail
If you’re looking for views, you’ll find it one on of the best trails in Algonquin Park – the Lookout Trail. This 2.1 km trail, it takes about an hour, and includes elevation gain without being a long haul. But you’ll be rewarded with sweeping forest views.
The Lookout Trail is great in all seasons. In the summer you’ll find lush green forests, while in the fall there’s a stunning vista of colour. Even in the winter, is magical.
Tip: If you’re hiking Algonquin Park’s Lookout Trail in the winter, I highly recommend ice spikes. With the steep incline and decline, you’ll appreciate them if there’s any ice.
Length: 2.1 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: at km 39.7 along Highway 60 corridor (MAP)
More trail recommendations nearby: Hardwood Lookout Trail and Barron Canyon in Algonquin Park.
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Hardy Lake Loop Trail
My all-time favourite hike in Muskoka is the Hardy Lake Loop Trail. This 9 km trail loops around a lake in Hardy Lake Provincial Park.
I think its one of the best fall hikes in Ontario, so that’s my favourite time to do it. Fall colours, no bugs, and comfortable temperature for the win. However, hiking it in the summer is fantastic too, since you can pack a picnic or enjoy a dip in the lake.
This trail, also known as A Trail is the longest trail in the park and takes between 3 to 5 hours. It takes you through forests and over boardwalks. There are also shorter trails in the park.
Length: 9 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: off of Highway 169 in Muskoka Lakes (MAP)
Trans Canada Trail
Covering over 28,000 km across Canada, from hiking trails to water routes and roadways, the Trans Canada Trail has a large section travelling through Muskoka. You can do it all or in sections.
Running through Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville, there is over 80 km of Trans Canada Trail in Muskoka. I mention one of my favourite sections through Huntsville below, the Hunter’s Bay Trail.
But another one of my favourite sections of the Trans Canada Trail is in Bracebridge. Starting at High Falls, you can hike the roughly 1 km section of the trail includes 3 of the best waterfalls in Muskoka. Plus, the section through downtown is nice too.
Length: Varies (can do portions of it)
Difficulty: Varies
Access Point: Varies
Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
A short but scenic 15-minute drive west of Bracebridge is another great Muskoka hiking trail. The Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail.
This 2.5 km loop takes you through forest, up steep terrain over large swatches of iconic Muskoka rock and to a stunning lookout. This is one of my favourite lookouts in Muskoka, especially in the fall.
From the lookout, you’ll be rewarded with epic views of Lake Muskoka. Pack a blanket to enjoy a picnic with a view. Or settle in for one of the best sunsets in the region. Just remember to pack a headlamp for the hike back down.
Length: 2.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: 1057 Milford Bay Rd, Bracebridge (MAP)
Fairy Trail
One of the most unique places to visit in Muskoka is the Georgian Bay Islands National Park. This is the largest freshwater archipelago in the world and home to one of the best islands in Muskoka for hiking – Beausoleil Island.
You can access the island via a boat shuttle from Honey Harbour that will take you over, drop you off and pick you back up a few hours later. It’s the perfect Muskoka day trip in the summer!
My favourite trail on Beausoleil Island is Fairy Trail. Taking you around two scenic lakes, Fairy and Goblin – yes! How cool are those names?! You’ll travel through wetlands, cedar forests and over the Canadian Shield.
Fairy Lake Trail is 2.5 km, and I highly recommend taking the short trail down to the water, just past Goblin Lake to take a dip in the bay.
Insider Tip: To get over to the northern portion of Beausoleil Island to access these trails you’ll need to either book a boat shuttle leaving from Honey Harbour or hire a water taxi. Weekends in the summer book up fast, so try and book at least a day or two in advance.
Length: 2.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: Beausoleil Island (MAP)
Stubb’s Falls Trail
Head to Arrowhead Provincial Park for another one of the best hiking trails in Muskoka, this one includes a waterfall!
Arrowhead is home to 15 km of hiking trails as well as one of the coolest skate trails in Ontario. But my favourite trail in the park is Stubb’s Falls Trail.
This 2 km trail is easy to moderate and is fun in every season. The falls will be gushing in the spring and makes for a refreshing stop in the heat of the summer. But my favourite time to hike it is in the winter. It’s full on magical surrounded by snow.
Tip: Arrowhead is one of the best places to visit in winter in Muskoka. But I recommend packing ice spikes for this hike.
Length: 2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: in Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville (MAP)
Hunter’s Bay Trail
One of my favourite trails in Huntsville is a bit of a hidden gem. And the funny part is that you can see part of it from the highway! Hunter’s Bay Trail should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Huntsville!
The trail wraps around Hunter’s Bay and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. Part of it is a floating, making it one of my favourite boardwalk trails!
From floating boardwalk and along the water’s edge, the trail conveniently ends close to downtown Huntsville.
Length: 4.6 km (one-way)
Difficulty: Easy
Access Point: I park along Airport Road (MAP) or you can start downtown (MAP)
More trail recommendations nearby: Fairy Vista Trail & Lions Lookout Trail
McCrae Lake Trail
Once a hidden gem McCrae Lake Conservation Area is now a popular spot in the summer. But when I first hiked the McCrae Lake Trail it was just me and my friends.
This is a great hike if you love a great lookout and it’s right off Highway 400 in Georgian Bay, making it easy to get to. The McCrae Lake Trail is a 2.8 km one way hike, so you’ll have to return the way you came.
The trail includes a nearby small waterfall, orchids in the spring, and takes you through forests and over granite. At the end you’ll find yourself at Eagle’s Nest Lookout, with views of the park and lake from atop a 100-foot cliff.
Tip: Get there before 8 am in the summer, as it’s on road parking and there is limited space.
Length: 2.8 km (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Access Point: just off Highway 400 (MAP)
Unique Places to Go Hiking in Muskoka
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Best known for the epic Cranberry Marsh plunge, the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery is also home to hiking trails. The winery is a great place to visit in the fall, for the plunge and taking in the stunning fall colours along the 10 km of trails.
Trails range from 1 to 7 km and highlights include the Bala Bog Monster, information stations, and more.
Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve
Located just outside Gravenhurst, Torrance Barrens covers over 4,500 acres. Best known for being one of the best places for seeing the Aurora in Muskoka, it’s also home to 3 hiking trails.
This is would make for the perfect place to hike in the afternoon, pack a picnic dinner and relax under the starry night sky at night. But please note there are no facilities at this conservation area, pack out your waste.
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
One of the few hidden gems for hiking in Muskoka is Limberlost Forest. Covering over 10,000 acres of untouched mixed forest, it has more than a dozen lakes, and over 10 hiking trails. One of the best trails in Limberlost is the Solitaire Trail (6.3 km).
What’s next?
Want to explore Muskoka in a new and exciting way? Grab my digital road trip guide – the Muskoka Loop Adventure that maps out 30+ incredible stops — but you choose which ones to enjoy along the way for a road trip that feels spontaneous and unforgettable.
Looking for more hiking inspiration?
Guide to Algonquin Park Hiking Trails
Hardy Lake Provincial Park Hiking Guide
Lesser-Known Ontario Trails without the Crowds
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