Hidden Hiking Trails In Ontario That You Need To Discover This Fall
Get outdoors this fall!
This fall head outside for a hike to see the colorful fall leaves. In Ontario, we are fortunate to have so many parks to enjoy, that it can be difficult to decide which one to visit next.
Even in the most well-known provincial parks, some of the most stunning hiking trails aren't well known. Short of doing the hike for yourself, or seeing a friend's Instagram photo of their weekend adventures it isn't always easy to determine which hike you might enjoy.
So if you are looking to get outdoors this fall to see the multi-colored fall leaves, here are some of the hiking trails that you need to try.
Mer Bleue Conservation Area Trail
@ncc_ccnLocation: Mer Bleue Conservation Area, Ottawa
This super easy hike is mostly boardwalk. Located in the east-end of Ottawa, you can hike over the 7700-year-old bog where you might spot rare species of local wildlife that are normally only found in northern bogs. This hike is very easy to do as it is all over flat boardwalk paths.
Beamer Memorial Conservation Lookout Trail
@leoandleafLocation: Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, Grimsby
Follow this hiking trail to enjoy the picturesque views. Located in the Niagara Escarpment in Grimsby it is popular spot to watch birds of prey and to enjoy the views of Lake Ontario. From the lookout, you'll be able to get an incredible view of the all the fall leaves.
Dorset Lookout Tower Trail
@940000_hmLocation: 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd, Dorset
A great local attraction, the Dorset Lookout Tower Trail provides a fantastic panoramic view. The trail is 2.3km long where you will climb through forest, and up a steep climb before you read the original fire tower that was used as a lookout point to monitor for forest fires. Once you've climbed to the top of the Tower Trail you'll be rewarded with one of the best views of the fall leaves in the area.
Kakabeka Falls Trail
@nicholasjbullLocation: Ontario Kakabeka Falls Park, Thunder Bay
On this trail, you'll find the second highest waterfall in Ontario! The 40-meter high waterfall can be found on the 3 km trail which features a scenic lookout and picturesque views of the falls.
Rideau Trail
@annie_stranbergLocation: Foley Mountain Conservation Area, Westport
This trail is part of hiking path that runs from Ottawa to Kingston! You can follow the Rideau Trail to climb a granite ridge that will lead you to Spy Rock look-out that will give you a stunning view of Westport. The Spy Rock is a popular selfie spot in fall as you'll be able to get Westport and the colorful fall leaves in the background.
Cheltenham Badlands Trail
@semper_viridisLocation: Cheltenham Badlands, Caledon
This beautiful geological attractions near Toronto is a must-see spot. The Badlands is a rock covered area that is without any vegetations. Previously closed to the public for the past few years is scheduled to reopen as of summer 2018 to the public.
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McCrae Lake Conservation Trail
@ms.chelsLocation: McCrae Lake Conservation Area, Barrie
This 2.8 km trail will lead you to a granite cliff where you can get a fantastic view of McCrae Lake. The serene setting is especially nice in fall when you can enjoy the colorful leaves.
Marble Rock Trail
@the.distant.wildernessembedded via
Location: 866-980 Marble Rock Road, Gananoque
If you are looking for more of a challenging hike, this trail in Gananoque is worth trying. Traveling over the rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield the 11 km trail will offer you picturesque views.
Recollet Falls Trail
@slamdinavianLocation: French River Provincial Park, Alba
Following the hiking path will lead you through beautiful settings, including the spectacular Recollect Falls. Walked by generations by First Nations, this 4 km trail follows the French River Gorge.
Crawford Lake Trail
@jevz26Location: Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Milton
If you are looking for an easy hike to see the fall leaves, the Crawford Lake Trail would be perfect. The 1.4 km trail goes over boardwalk paths through forest and gives you a view of the lake. The entire route will take you only around 30 minutes.
Fire Tower Trail
@ontarioparksneLocation: Restoule Provincial Park, Restoule
The Fire Tower Trail is considered to be one of the best hiking trails to see fall leaves in Ontario. Following the trail, you will be lead to Stormy Lake lookout which provides an excellent photo spot to capture all the colorful leaves.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park Lookout Trail
Location: Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Batchawana Bay
Make sure you wear your hiking shoes for this trail! The rugged 14 km Lookout Trail provides great views of Pancake Bay.
Pine Grove Trail
Location: Pine Grove Forest, Ottawa
For the perfect fall hike, head to Pine Grove Forest in Ottawa. The Pine Grove Trail is an easy 5 km loop trail that will take you between 1 hour to 1.5 hours where you will be able to see all the colorful leaves as you follow the forest path.
Bruce Trail
@steezhortizLocation: Tews Falls, Hamilton
This hiking trail is a real gem in Hamilton. While loved by locals, many from outside of the area don't realize there is a massive ribbon waterfall that is easily accessible in Hamilton via a short hike.
Moon Island Trail
@_julia_shine_Location: The Massasauga Provincial Park, Parry Sound
Head to Moon Island Trail to enjoy a fantastic lookout onto Georgian Bay. In the fall the 4 km hiking trail will take through the forest where you can enjoy the colorful leaves, and you might spot moose and deer.
Aubrey Falls Trail
@yogirunner73Location: Aubrey Falls Provincial Park, Algoma
The main attraction on this 2 km trail is the Aubrey Falls. Surrounded by dense forest in the fall you can enjoy a relaxing hike in Aubrey Falls Provincial Park which is a great spot to view fall leaves.
Rock Dunder Trail
@miasutherland_Location: Stanley Lash Lane, Lyndhurst
This 3.7 km loop trail offers panoramic views above the Rideau Waterway from the top of a cliff. Located only one hour outside of Ottawa, it makes for a wonderful fall hike.
Tip Trail
@katelloydLocation: Point Pelee National Park, Leamington
Before the days get too cold, go outdoors for a hike. Tip Trail, takes you to the southernmost tip of Point Pelee National Park on a 1 km loop trail where you will be able to enjoy a view of Lake Erie.
Old Quarry Trail
@livharrissLocation: Old Quarry Trail, Ottawa
Within the city, Old Quarry Trail in the southwest of Ottawa makes for an easily accessible fall hike. Over the trail, you'll travel through forest and wetlands and see several beaver ponds.
Seguin Recreational Trail
Location: Oastler Lake Provincial Park, Parry Sound
Go to Oastler Lake Provincial Park for a fall weekend getaway! Within the park, you'll be able to camp and enjoy hiking along the shoreline and short hiking paths.
Lookout Point Trail
@brucezyLocation: Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound
Head to the Lookout Point trail for the perfect fall hike. The 3.5 km loop will take you through a variety of different forests and provide you with a wonderful view of Georgian Bay.
La Cloche-Silhouette Trail
@wildcanoesLocation: Killarney Provincial Park, Killarney
If you've seen a Group of Seven painting chances are you've seen Killarney Provincial Park. The area was a favorite spot of The Group of Seven artists, so painters like A.Y. Jackson loved to go there to paint. If you want to see some of the stunning landscape you can hike the huge a Cloche-Silhouette Trail which is 80 km long!
Slide Lake Loop
@w.surgLocation: Frontenac Provincial Park, Sydenham
Slide Lake Loop is a rugged 21 km trail is not suggested for novice hikers. If you decide to take the trail, you'll be reward with beautiful scenery as it passes a series of waterfalls and provides a wonderful view of Mink and Camel Lakes.
Spencer Adventure Trail
@moemoeszyslakLocation: 1000 Highway 5 West, Hamilton
This trail will take you past Hamilton's waterfalls. Along the route, you will pass Webster's Falls, Spencer Gorge, and Tew's Falls so make sure to have your camera ready.
Nassagaweya Trail
@pewpewnavaLocation: Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Milton
Take the Nassagaweya Trail to Rattlesnake Point to enjoy the scenic views from the lookout. The one-way trail is 4.7 km in Crawford Lake Conservation Area.
Western Uplands Trail
@henro001Location: Algonquin Provincial Park
Pack your bags and go for a fall camping trip! The Western Uplands Trail is a 32 km loop trail in Algonquin Park intended for overnight backpackers.
Sarsaparilla Trail
@simonsayschildcareembedded via
Location: Old Richmond Road, Ottawa
This super quick trail is perfect for when you want to enjoy the outdoors, but don't want to do a long hike. The 0.8 km trail will take you past forest to a dock next to a beaver pond.
Joker's Hill Trail
@sneaky.deeLocation: 17080 Bathurst Street, Newmarket
This lightly trafficked hiking trail is the perfect spot to go to to see wildlife and fall leaves. The 2.9 km loop trail goes through the Koffler Scientific Reserve.
Helenbar Trail
Location: Mississagi Provincial Park, Algoma
Fall is considered the best time to visit the Helenbar Trail. On the trail, you'll be able to climb the 130 m high lookout point where you'll get an extraordinary view of the rugged landscape and fall leaves.
Hemlock Bluff Trail
@instafr4nkLocation: Algonquin Provincial Park
Hike through the forest to get a dazzling view of Jack Lake. The 3.5 km hike is rather short, and is perfect for a fall afternoon.