Huntsville Hikes, ON | 10 Best Muskoka Hiking Trails
Huntsville, Ontario, is the largest town in the Muskoka area. The Muskoka forest and river give Canada a lush, green utopia waiting to be explored. And the many hiking trails near Huntsville showcase the beauty of the land and make for a great active activity.
Whether you’re into challenging hikes or easier walking trails, Ontario, Huntsville has something for everyone. Explore the nooks and coves of the Arrowhead Provincial Park or witness breathtaking views from Lions Lookout. Keep reading to find the best Huntsville hikes, and get ready for an adventure, and get ready for an adventure.
Hiking trails aren’t the only thing to keep you busy in Muskoka. Huntsville offers many exciting activities, from skiing the winter slopes to some of the region’s best fishing spots. If you are looking for more things to do in Huntsville you can read up on that here.
Best Hikes In Ontario’s Hilly Huntsville
Huntsville offers endless lovely hiking areas. Between the canopies of trees and glistening lakes, you can find the Arrowhead Provincial Park. This park is home to a lot of the beautiful hikes around Huntsville. However, there are several trails on the list that are dotted throughout the town. And some of them need registration papers.
Before embarking on any hiking adventure level, be sure to familiarize yourself with a map of Huntsville, Ontario trails. Sometimes trail signs and directions disappear or aren’t clearly marked. Knowing your way around could save your life.
Hiking Ontario is an occasion for the whole family. There are easy, flat trails where you can bring the kids and furry friends. And there are more advanced hikes, calling those adventure junkies who want to challenge themselves.
1. Lions Lookout Huntsville Trail
Ontario hiking trails don’t always have to be lengthy to make them worth it. This trail is less than a kilometre long but offers unbeatable views at the Lions Lookouts point. The viewpoint is situated on Fairy Lake’s edge, showing off reaching views and tree islands across Huntsville.
2. Stubb’s Falls Loop Trail
This easy walk is a part of the Arrowhead Provincial Park’s Hiking Trails. Embark on a 2.6km journey to a stunning lake and breathtaking views of the waterfall. The trail is well-groomed but can get a bit crowded in the summertime (May-October).
The slopes can get icy in the winter. Having a pair of crampons with you can be to your benefit, but looking before you step and being conscious of the ice will keep you on your feet.
3. Arrowhead Lake Loop Trail
Hiking in Ontario takes you on an adventure between the icy snow, skyscraping trees and thousands of lakes. This hiking trail leads you down a 10km trail under the canopy of the Muskoka Forest. This moderately-long trail is excellent for cross-country skiing, trail runs or just a stroll with your furry friend.
Note that Arrowhead Park has an $18-$21 parking fee for guests.
4. Hunters Bay Hiking Trail
This out and back trail takes you along the bank of Hunter’s Bay, offering endless views of the gorgeous water. The hiking loop is 5km long and leads you along a wooden boardwalk over the water. Stop at the bird hide on your way to view the local birdlife, or take out your camera and capture some insane shots.
5. Beaver Meadow Hiking Trail
Hiking Ontario isn’t for everyone. This moderate-to-hard hike showcases a 10km trail and 270m of climbing. But the effort is worth the magnificent views at the top. Look down over onto Arrowhead Lake and possibly catch a glimpse of a beaver going about its business.
It’s recommended to do this trail in the fall, as you will see an array of brightly coloured leaves throughout the hike. It’s a magical sight.
6. Mayflower Lake Hiking Trail
This hiking trail takes you along the bank of yet another lake, the Mayflower Lake. This easy trail is made up of a 1.6km loop ideal for a trip with kids, snowshoeing, flower spotting, and bird viewing. It’s great to do the route in any season, depending on what you want to see. Winter shows off a frozen, white lake, while the summer offers a magical, green, luscious scene.
7. Hiking Trails, Muskoka River
The Muskoka trail along the river is one of the longest and highest on this list but debatably one of the best Ontario hikes.
The 22km hiking trail leads you up to a height of 850m elevation. The trail follows the river for paddle sports and bird-watching, offering exciting views of white water rafters and unique, indigenous birds. The hike is point-to-point and will require you to either walk or catch a lift back in a car to the starting point.
8. Fairy Vista Trail, Huntsville
This short, 4.8km, out-and-back loop offers excellent chances of spotting some local wildlife. Hikers have spotted the trail winds along highway 60 and over 100 bird species, black bears, white-tailed deers and coyotes. Not only is this dog-friendly and kid-appropriate, but it’s also wheelchair and stroller accessible.
9. Huntsville’s Homesteaders Hiking Trail
This hiking trail is also located in Arrowhead Provincial Park. The out-and-back course starts at Mayflower Lake and passes by a local homestead. The path is suitable for pets and kids and can host several different activities, including running, bird-watching, snowshoeing and stunning views.
10. Deerhurst Lookout Trail – Private property
The Deerhurst trail offers guests a chance to witness multiple Canadian wildlife. Including bears, deer, birds and unique bugs. The track is a 4km loop through a private woodland area.
Note that guests who wish to enter the property must have registration papers from the Deerhurst Resort. The resort also offers multiple other trails suitable for the whole family.
Closing thoughts on Best Hiking Trails in Ontario, Huntsville
If you enjoy the Muskoka Forest area’s trails, try Gravenhurst hiking trails and Parry Sound hiking trails a few towns down. While you’re visiting Huntsville, check out the Huntsville campgrounds nearby for an adventurous stay.
Ontario hikes can be long and challenging or quick, flat and easy. But there is no doubt that whatever trail you decide on will offer spectacular views and engulf you in nature.
4 Comments