Muskoka’s trail network covers some 4000 sq kms of rugged terrain. With lush forests, spectacular granite outcroppings, fascinating wildlife, and sweeping vistas and lookouts, it is evident why some of Muskoka’s tracks are known to be the best hiking and wildlife seeking trails in Ontario.
Read on to discover Jayne’s team’s handpicked top 9 hiking trails in the Muskoka-area.
1. Strawberry Point Trail
- Municipality: Bracebridge
- Trail head: Strawberry Bay Road
- Length: 5 KM
- Difficulty: Difficult
This trail traverses country lanes and wooded areas of evergreens and hardwoods before reaching a height of land that provides a panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. The trail continues to the lake and offers a site suitable for a picnic or a swim!
More information: muskokatrailscouncil.com
2. Wilson’s Falls Trail
- Municipality: Bracebridge
- Trail head: Macaulay Public School
- Length: 3.6 KM
- Difficulty: Difficult
Hike the nearby trail, with trail head access at the end of Sander Dr. Wilson Falls is the wildest and most scenic falls on the North Branch of Muskoka River. Located just to the north of the Downtown area off of River Road, Wilson’s Falls has a great walking trail which provides a spectacular view of the falls. A picnic area is also available.
More information: muskokatrailscouncil.com
3. Bracebridge Resource Management Centre
- Trail head: Bracebridge Resource Management Centre
- Distance: 19km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Bracebridge Resource Management Centre offers groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and mountain biking trails within a woodland setting along the Muskoka River. Hikers can enjoy up to 19km of trails during the spring, fall and summer.
The area features attractive wooded areas, a variety of flora, fauna and bird life as well as scenic vistas along the Muskoka River.
More information: Visit the Muskoka Trails Council
4. Ragged Falls Oxtongue River Hiking Trail
- Municipality: Lake of Bays; just off Hwy 60
- Trail head: Oxtongue Rapids Park
- Distance: 2 KM
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Ragged Falls Oxtongue River trail is just over 1km but it offers a great view of the Ragged Falls. It is just off Hwy 60 near the Algonquin Park border. The small plunge basin at Gravel Falls demonstrates the powerful, erosive force of glacial melt-water. Also accessible are the parking lot, washrooms and marked hiking trails that lead to a lookout over the falls. Ragged Falls has been named one of the 10 best waterfalls in Ontario.
More information: Visit their website
5. Dwight Heritage Walking Tour
- Trail Head: Hwy 60, Dwight, ON
- Distance: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This tour takes about an hour and a half to walk through the main central region, with side trips by bike or car to the more outlying points of interest. Park in the Municipal lot, take some time to explore the shops in the village itself, and be respectful of the beautiful private property.
More information: Visit Lake of Bays Township
6. Hillside Hamlet Trail
- Trail Head: Grassmere Beach
- Length: 3.6km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This 3.6km trail is nestled in the community of Hillside and follows a paved road into a hamlet filled with Bed and Breakfasts, birds, woodlands, and plenty of nature. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this community as they welcome your visit. With plenty to see and a great grand finale, your day at Hillside Hamlet can be complimented by the many amenities around you.
More information: Visit the Muskoka Trails Council
7. Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
- Trail Head: Buck Lake Landing
- Distance: 70km+
- Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Limberlost is famous for its varied and totally free hiking trails. In total, Limberlost offers more than 70 km of woodland trails and extensive woodland roads, with trails that cater to evening strollers as well as those seeking more strenuous exercise. More than two-thirds of the trails on the Limberlost Reserve are groomed and qualify as high quality trails, as opposed to rugged hiking paths. As such, they are suitable for joggers as well as individuals who prefer to enjoy nature at their leisure.
These trails are also great for mountain biking enthusiasts.
In the winter, head on out to the trails with your snowshoes, or bring your cross country skis to experience their 25 km of groomed trails.
More information: Visit their website
8. Bracebridge Bay
- Trail head: Bracebridge Bay Park
- Distance: 1.3km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The trail travels along the Muskoka River and around Bracebridge Bay. The surface is pavement and gravel. The only incline is the stairs by Bracebridge Falls. Ten historic information plaques identify points of interest along the route. There is ample parking at Bay Park for this 1.3km ‘near urban’ hike.
More information: Visit the Muskoka Trails Council
9. Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery
- Trail Head: Cranberry, Bala
- Length: 10km+
- Difficulty: Moderate
The trails form a route between wetlands and hills, hardwood forests, barren stone ridges and cranberry marshes. Over 10km of trails that originate at Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Winery, in Bala – the Cranberry Capital of Ontario.
Pair some local wine or cider with your hike, or join a daily winery tour. Shop in locally inspired stores and sip in the picturesque landscape.
More information: Visit their website
