Muskoka Hiking Trails: +5 Places to Hike in Muskoka

Muskoka is one of those enchanting places in Ontario that is loved by all who visit. It doesn’t matter what time of year, whether it’s the heat of summer and cottage season or in the thick of winter chasing Northern Lights and fresh snow, there are endless things to do in Muskoka. But one of my favourite things to do is hitting those Muskoka hiking trails.

Some of the best hiking trails in Ontario are in Muskoka! With over 4000 square kilometres of trails in Muskoka, many of which offer epic views, waterfalls, and a wealth of wildlife, any one you choose will prove ideal. The following are my top picks for places to hike in Muskoka. Some are within Provincial and National Parks while others are just outside of town.

Top 5 Places to Go Hiking in Muskoka

Algonquin Provincial Park

Without a doubt, the top place to hike in Muskoka is Algonquin Provincial Park. It’s one of Canada’s most famous parks and is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Algonquin is home to some incredible scenery, from the mighty Canadian Shield to lakes and forests, you’ll love every inch of the over 7000 square kilometre space. The park is home to over 20 hiking trails that range in difficultly, from easy to challenging. A couple of these are some of the best Ontario boardwalk trails.

With so many trails to choose from where do you start? Some of the best hiking trails in Muskoka are the in Algonquin, especially if you only have a day to hike Algonquin. The first is Barron Canyon Trail. At 1.5 kilometres it will only take about an hour and skirts the rim of the 100 metre deep Barron Canyon with epic views. The Lookout Trail and Hardwood Lookout Trail are great options for their shortness and incredible views over Algonquin Park.

Another great Muskoka trail that is close to Algonquin is the Oxtongue River Trail in Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls Provincial Park. This short trail leads to a spectacular waterfall that you can see from the base or from the top. It’s one of my favourite waterfalls and one of the best hikes in Muskoka.

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Huntsville

If you’re staying in Huntsville during your visit to cottage country it makes for a great base for Muskoka day trips to hiking meccas like Algonquin Park and Arrowhead. But if you’re looking for local Muskoka hiking trails then you’re in luck. Not only does the Trans Canada Trail (The Great Trail) run through town but there are a few other options.

Lions Lookout trail is 1.5 kilometres long and takes you up (very steep inclines) to see fabulous views. The views include both the town of Huntsville and one of the best lakes in Muskoka, Fairy Lake. Another option is Fairy Vista trail. This 3.4 kilometre trail is open all year long and takes you through forests, wetlands, and picturesque fields. One of my favourite trails in Huntsville is the Hunter’s Bay Trail. This 4.6 kilometre trail takes you from Highway 11, around Hunter’s Bay and right into downtown Huntsville.

Related Post: 7 Ways to Experience Fall in Muskoka

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park is another place full of amazing hiking trails in Muskoka. Arrowhead is home to 15 kilometres of hiking trails, a winter skating trail, and even a waterfall. It’s one of the top places to go in Muskoka in winter. There are two top trails in Arrowhead, the first is Stubb’s Falls Trail. This two kilometre trail is easy and takes you to – you guessed it – Stubb’s Falls. Another easy trail but equally as amazing is Big Bend Lookout which leads you to a sweeping view of the curving Big East River and beyond.

If you’re looking for more places to find incredible views check out these 10 Epic Lookouts in Muskoka!

Bracebridge

If you’re looking for Muskoka hiking trails that lead to awesome waterfalls then head to Bracebridge. Here you’ll find the Trans Canada trail (The Great Trail) will lead you to four different waterfalls, High Falls, Potts Falls, Little High Falls, and Wilson Falls. The trail leads you through picturesque forests, past picnic areas, and is full of that mighty Canadian Shield.

And just outside Bracebridge, 15 minutes west, is one of my favourite Muskoka hiking trails to do in the autumn, Huckleberry Rock Lookout. The trail is a 2.5 kilometres loop and takes you through the forest, up steep terrain, and over large swatches of rock to a stunning lookout over Muskoka. It’s also considered one of the best places to catch the sunset in Muskoka.

If you’re travelling from Toronto try this epic Toronto to Muskoka road trip that’s full of great stops like hiking trails and more!

Beausoleil Island

Georgian Bay Island National Park

If you’re looking for where to hike in Muskoka is Georgian Bay Island National Park. It’s the world’s largest freshwater archipelago and you can access Beausoleil Island during spring through summer for day hiking via the Day Tripper boat in Hone Harbour. Here you’ll find the picturesque windswept pines that inspired the Group of Seven, a wealth of wildlife, and a dozen hiking trails.

Beausoleil Island’s hiking trails will take you through various terrain, including wetlands, cedar forests, and over the Canadian Shield. And two of the best trails are Fairy Trail and Massasauga Trail. Fairy Trial is a 2.5 kilometre loop trail with plenty of serene views of Georgian Bay and Fairy Lake. Massasauga Trail is 2 kilometres and is home to – yup! You guessed it, Massasauga rattlesnakes. But don’t be afraid, these are smart creatures and steer clear of people mostly. Other than the occasional rattler the trail is rocky and is home to fabulous views.

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Other Places to Hike in Muskoka:

McCrae Lake Trail – A 2.8 kilometre trail (one-way) that takes you through McCrae Lake Conservation Area. Highlights include the Crow’s Nest Lookout, set atop a 100-foot granite cliff, forested trails with spring orchids, and a waterfall.

Hardy Lake Provincial Park – If you’re looking for a scenic hike in Muskoka then head to Hardy Lake Provincial Park. Located just outside Gravenhurst, the park is home to three hiking trails that take you across boardwalks, through enchanted forests, and to scenic lake views.

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Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve – Located just outside Gravenhurst, Torrance Barrens covers over 4,500 acres and has three great Muskoka hiking trails. This is would make for a perfect place to hike in the afternoon and relax under the starry night sky at night. Please note there are no facilities in this conservation area.

Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve – Limberlost Forest is over 10,000 acres of untouched mixed forest, has more than a dozen lakes, and over 10 hiking trails. Limberlost Forest is a great place to hike in Muskoka.

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery – Made famous for the Johnston Cranberry Marsh cranberry plunge, there are over 10 kilometres of hiking trails at the farm. Trails range from 1 to 7 kilometres and have highlights like the Bala Bog Monster, information stations, and more.

Make sure you’re fully prepared for your day hike in Muskoka by making sure you have all the must-have hiking gear.

Looking for great places to stay in Muskoka during your visit? Check out these cute and cozy Muskoka cottage rentals

Do you have a favourite trail in Muskoka?

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Stephanie

I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

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