Hardwood Lookout Trail

What visitors say

Hardwood Lookout Trail starts at km 13.8 of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park and climbs through a stand of sugar maple and other hardwoods to a lookout over Smoke Lake and the surrounding hills. Reviewers like the breeze at the top and a bench where you can sit with the view.

The loop is only about 1 km, but it has some steep, rooty sections, so most rate it moderate for older hikers and easy for younger ones. It isn't suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, and there are a few cliff edges to watch with children. An interpretive guide at the trailhead explains the numbered stops; there's a small charge if you keep it.

It's a good quick hike if you're passing through the park corridor. There's no water access on the trail; Smoke Lake and other Algonquin lakes offer fishing with an Ontario licence. Some visitors enter from the exit end to reach the lookout faster, though it's more satisfying done the right way round.

Bring bug spray, as mosquitoes are thick in early summer. A couple of reviewers wished the trees in front of the lookout were trimmed back, and one noticed graffiti on the benches. There are no washrooms at the trailhead.

Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 551 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.