Pros & cons
PROS
- Wide south‑facing panorama over lakes, wetlands, and rocky ridges
- Shorter hike with a big payoff compared to the full loop
CONS
- Rough, partly unmaintained path with mud and steep, slippery sections
- Small roadside parking and an easy‑to‑miss trail entrance
Overview
This is the quick-hit version of Centennial Ridges: a short, unofficial spur to a south-facing lookout near the main access on Highway 60 (around km 37.6). You skip the full 10 km loop and still land on a rocky perch with sweeping views of lakes, wetlands, and classic Algonquin highlands.
What You'll See
Expect bare Precambrian Shield outcrops scoured by the last Ice Age, plus a quilt of forest, water, and marsh below. It’s a great photography vantage—especially when fall colors fire up the hillsides.
Getting There & Parking
Look for a small roadside pull-off opposite the trail start on Highway 60; the entrance is easy to miss. A valid Algonquin day-use permit is required for using trails along the corridor, and day-use hours run roughly 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Trail Conditions
This spur is unmaintained in places—think mud, uneven footing, and bugs in season. There are steep stairs near the start that can be slick when wet. No facilities at the lookout; pack in everything and pack it back out.
Safety Notes
These lookouts sit on exposed cliffs with sheer drops. Keep a conservative buffer from the edge, supervise kids closely, and keep pets leashed. Trekking poles and waterproof footwear make the mud and descents much easier.
How It Compares to the Main Loop
The official Centennial Ridges Trail is a demanding 10.4 km loop with multiple panoramic lookouts, a proper parking lot, and toilets at the trailhead. This South Lookout spur is shorter, rougher, and quieter—great if you want views without committing to the full circuit.
Best Time to Visit
Fall is the headline season for color and photos. It’s generally a quiet spot, so you often get the ridge to yourself. Wildlife sightings are hit-or-miss, but dawn and dusk improve your odds.
Where it is
45.5564, -78.4199Tips for Centennial Ridges South Lookout
- 01Watch for a subtle trail entrance off Highway 60; it’s easy to miss.
- 02Bring bug protection and waterproof footwear—mud and bugs are common.
- 03The initial stairs get slippery when wet; trekking poles help on the descent.
- 04Carry everything you need; there are no facilities at the lookout.
- 05Have a valid day-use permit before parking or hiking along Highway 60.
Amenities
Near Centennial Ridges South Lookout
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayCentennial Ridges TrailBig lake views and real elevation on the park’s classic ridge loop.Challenging · 6.5 mi · 5 hr
0 mi awayCentennial Ridges TrailheadGateway to a tough ridge loop with sweeping lake viewsTrailhead · Parking
1 mi awayWhitefish LakeCalm paddle lake with a group campground and small beachCampground · Restroom
1.2 mi awayPog Lake CampgroundShady, central campground with beaches, showers, and calm paddle waterCampground · Restroom
1.4 mi awayCoon Lake CampgroundSmall, quiet lakefront camping near top hikesCampground · Restroom
1.7 mi awayLookout TrailShort, steep loop to a sweeping forest and lakes panorama.Moderate · 1.3 mi · 48 min
1.9 mi awayBig Pines TrailOld-growth white pines and logging history on a mellow forest loop.Easy · 1.8 mi · 1.3 hr
2.8 mi awayBooth's Rock TrailShort, punchy loop to a classic Rock Lake lookout.Moderate · 3.2 mi · 2 hr
