South Lookout

Overview

About South Lookout

South Lookout is a small forest lookout reached by an unofficial spur south of Highway 60 near the Lookout Trail area. It is a separate destination from the full Centennial Ridges loop.

Why stop

Wide south‑facing panorama over lakes, wetlands, and rocky ridges
Shorter hike with a big payoff compared to the full loop

Heads up

Rough, partly unmaintained path with mud and steep, slippery sections
Small roadside parking and an easy‑to‑miss trail entrance

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightSouth Lookout45.57253, -78.41133

Keep this map with you offline in the Parkwolf app

Local know-how

Tips for visiting South Lookout

Watch for a subtle trail entrance off Highway 60; it’s easy to miss.
Bring bug protection and waterproof footwear—mud and bugs are common.
The initial stairs get slippery when wet; trekking poles help on the descent.
Carry everything you need; there are no facilities at the lookout.
Have a valid day-use permit before parking or hiking along Highway 60.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Access and terrain

The path is not an official interpretive trail and may be unmarked or difficult to follow. The mapped destination is at the end of the existing South Lookout spur, not at the Centennial Ridges trailhead. Expect uneven forest terrain and use reliable navigation. Do not assume that a nearby road shoulder is designated parking.

4 active Algonquin alerts

CautionLow Water on Backcountry Canoe RoutesLow-water alerts are in effect on six backcountry canoe-route sections.Official details
ClosureProvoking Falls Bridge ClosedThe Provoking Falls bridge on the Highland Backpacking Trail is closed due to safety concerns and has been removed. - Follow the posted reroute, which adds 2.5 km.Official details

See all 4 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Algonquin Tour Guide

Your drive to South Lookout, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Algonquin Provincial Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

Recorded for this place

Centennial Ridges Trail: A Tough Hike with Big Views

Listen

“You're coming up to the trailhead for the Centennial Ridges Trail, one of Algonquin's classic and most rewarding hikes. Be prepared for a workout; this is a rugged 10.”

Plays as you drive up to South Lookout in the Parkwolf Algonquin Tour Guide.

More about South Lookout

At the lookoutThe rocky opening offers views of the wooded Algonquin landscape.

The rocky opening offers views of the wooded Algonquin landscape. Take care around exposed edges and slippery rock. A valid park permit is required for park use.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Algonquin

All Algonquin wildlife maps

1,231 sightingsMooseMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

245 sightingsEastern WolfMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

331 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 7 PMSighting map

604 sightingsLoonMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

110 sightingsBald EagleMost seen around 11 AMSighting map

192 sightingsRiver OtterMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Algonquin. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.