With lush forests, spectacular granite outcroppings, fascinating wildlife, and sweeping lake vistas and lookouts, Muskoka is ripe with great hiking opportunities. August and September are two of the most popular months for hiking in Muskoka; the weather is great, the trails are dry, and it isn’t a ‘buggy’ time of year. We recommend a late morning hike followed by a dip at the nearest beach to cool off.
Check out 1 or all 6 of these great hiking locations this summer!
Hunter’s Bay Trail
Huntsville
The Hunter’s Bay hiking trail is unlike any other trail in Muskoka. This 3.6km urban trail has a little bit of everything; riverside views, orchards, wooded trails, beaches, and over 500m of floating boardwalk over the waters of Hunter’s Bay. We recommend walking the entire trail, you will not be disappointed. Beginning at the Centre Street bridge just a few paces from downtown Huntsville, the trail winds along the Muskoka river, under the railway trestle, through the Avery Beach Park and onto the waters of Hunter’s Bay.
Click here to access a map of the trail including access points
Wilson’s Falls Hiking Trail
Bracebridge
Bracebridge is the waterfall capital of cottage country. Everybody knows the iconic Bracebridge Falls and Silver Bridge located right in the downtown, but just a few km upstream is Wilson’s Falls, a popular hiking trail and waterfall. Take the forested walking trail that brings you up close to the rushing waters and admire this natural scene. It is hard to believe this walking trail and waterfall is just minutes from downtown.
Click here to access a map of the trail including access points
Limberlost Forest & Wildlife Reserve
Lake of Bays
Nature the way it was intended to be, with 20 private lakes, 70km of trails, and 10,000+ acres of unspoiled wildlife just waiting to be explored. Located west of Huntsville, Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is in Lake of Bays, and is only 11km (as the crow flies) from world-famous Algonquin Park. But the greatest part about Limberlost, the public is welcome to explore during the daytime at no charge. Nature lovers unite!
Click here to access a map of the trails including access points
School House Trail
Georgian Bay Township
Experience the history and beauty of Georgian Bay Township by traversing the 4 km School House Trail, located on Violet Drive near Port Severn. The trail gives guests the full Georgian Bay landscape experience,
traversing a local watercourse via a boardwalk and running past many of the area’s native species.
Click here to access a map of the trail including access points
Hardy Lake Provincial Park
Muskoka Lakes
One of Muskoka’s most popular hiking trails, Hardy Lake Provincial Park traverses rocky outcrops, natural shoreline and forested areas. Travel over wetlands and forested areas with magnificent views of untouched shoreline.
Click here to access a map of the trail including access points
Hahne Farm Trail
Gravenhurst
This trail is a “near urban” route that traverses a mix of hard and softwood forest highlighted by a stunning ridge view overlooking a provincially significant wetland. Keep your eyes peeled for the Inuksuk along the trails, a popular sight for avid hikers.
Click here to access a map of the trail including access points
Stay and Play
Make the most of your Muskoka experience and check out our top recommendations for places to stay and perfect getaway packages.