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Fall
Splendor
Algonquin Park's Day Use Trails
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Every
fall I head up to Algonquin Park to see the spectacular fall colors
along the Highway 60 corridor. One of the best ways to do this
is by enjoying some of the day use trails. I've listed a few of
my favorites. Guides are available at the start of each trail.
Head out early for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Whisky
Rapids trail, close to the West Gate, is 2.1 kilometers in length.
This trail takes you along the Oxtongue River. The trail is easy
to moderate and gives you a good education on river ecology. You
will be able to view the pretty Whiskey Rapids which were named
for a keg of whiskey lost by loggers when they were traveling
to their camp. Apparently the keg was never found.
The Hardwood Lookout, also close to the West gate, is beautiful
in fall. The trail is less than 1 km long making it an easy walk.
This trail teaches you about the hardwoods on the West side of
the park. You will visit a lookout that provides a nice view of
Smoke Lake.
 Mizzy
Lake Trail is an 11 km loop that is ideal for wildlife viewing.
There is an additional 2 km side loop. This trail visits many
lakes and is also a popular wolf howl location. The hike takes
just over 6 hours and you should wear appropriate footwear. Be
sure to take water and a snack. You will visit a beaver pond and
view many birds. If you go in the early morning or late afternoon
you will most likely be able to see a moose or two.
Not only does
the 2.9 km Big Pines trail offer gorgeous color but it also offers
a chance to view some of the large White Pines that are a big
part of Algonquin's history. The trail also shows you how a forest
recreates itself after a fire and the importance of fire in the
forest ecology.
The Lookout
trail is less than 2 km and takes you through mixed forest. About
halfway through the hike you will reach the top of a cliff. Exercise
caution here because there are no railings at the edge of the
cliff. You will be able to see Lake of Two Rivers from this vantage
point.
Booth's
Rock is one of my favorite day trails. The trail is about 5.6
km and takes a few hours to complete. Please be sure to take water
for this hike. You will visit two lakes and eventually climb to
the top of a large cliff where you will be able to see Rock and
Whitefish Lakes. This cliff is also railing free so please watch
your step. You will have a lovely view of mixed forests below.
The Beaver
Pond trail is 2 kms in length. You will visit a beaver meadow,
dam and have a view of Amikeus Lake. Hardwoods beyond the beaver
meadow provide splashes of color.
For the more
experienced hiker with good boots there is the Centennial Ridges
trail. This trail visits five lookouts and is 10 kms long. It
always amazes me when I see people on this trail without water
or hiking boots. Throughout the trail you will climb 360 meters
or 1200 feet. The highest point is MacDougall Mountain at 560
meters or 1850 feet.
There are
many other beautiful trails in Algonquin but these offer the best
opportunities to enjoy the fall colors. When you are done your
hike pop into the Visitor's Center and take in the spectacular
panorama of Sunday Creek from the viewing deck.
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