Pros & cons
PROS
- Historic river crossing on the old railway corridor
- Close-up views of the Madawaska’s rapids and rushing water
CONS
- Deck can be slick in wet or icy weather
- No amenities here—everything is back at the trailhead
Overview
This sturdy footbridge carries the Track and Tower Trail across the Madawaska River, right where a lofty railway trestle once stood. It’s a short-but-memorable moment on the loop: the river squeezes through, the sound swells, and you get a front‑row look at whitewater below.
Where It Fits on the Loop
Hike the loop clockwise and you’ll reach the bridge before the long staircase up to the famous Cache Lake lookout. It’s a natural breather spot, but keep it brief—the deck is narrow and the trail can be busy in peak seasons.
What You’ll See
Expect rushing water, spray in high flow, and classic Canadian Shield scenery—polished rock and mixed forest hugging the riverbanks. The trail here also passes boardwalks, small waterfalls/rapids, and a dam elsewhere on the loop, so the bridge is part of a water‑rich day out.
A Bit of History
You’re walking the grade of J.R. Booth’s Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway, decommissioned in 1959. Trestles once crossed Cache Lake and this river; the current footbridge sits on or near those old abutments. The “tower” in the trail’s name nods to the former fire‑tower near today’s lookout.
Seasonal Notes
- Mud is common after rain and in spring; sturdy footwear helps.
- Bugs are a thing: black flies mid‑May to late June; mosquitoes into July.
- Winter is beautiful but icy—snowshoes or traction often make this crossing more secure.
Best Time to Visit
Summer and especially fall‑colour season draw the crowds. If you’re aiming for peak red‑maple colour, it typically hits around late September, with a golden follow‑up into early to mid‑October. Day‑use permits can be reserved up to 5 days in advance with a 7:00 a.m. ET release, which helps lock in a quieter start.
Practicalities
There’s parking and toilets at the trailhead at km 25 on Highway 60, but there are no services at the bridge itself—pack in/out. Dogs are permitted on leash. The route is well marked with numbered posts, and footing is rocky and rooty in places—take your time on wet boards.
Where it is
45.5509, -78.5709Tips for Track and Tower Trail Bridge
- 01Hike clockwise to reach the bridge before the big staircase to the lookout.
- 02After rain or in winter, expect spray and slick boards—use real traction.
- 03There are no facilities at the crossing; fill water and use toilets at the trailhead.
- 04For busy fall weekends, reserve your day‑use permit 5 days ahead at 7:00 a.m. ET.
Near Track and Tower Trail Bridge
All places →All trails →
0.7 mi awayTrack and Tower Trail LookoutBig Cache Lake views from a famed former fire tower siteScenic Viewpoint · Parking
0.7 mi awayTrack and Tower TrailClassic loop to a big Cache Lake lookout with railway history.Challenging · 4.7 mi · 2.8 hr
1.1 mi awayBartlett LodgeBoat-access cabins with gourmet dinners and a canoe at your doorLodging · Restaurant
1.1 mi awayCache Lake Access Point (#8)Quick Highway 60 launch with parking, toilets and a history exhibitTrailhead · Parking
1.3 mi awayHemlock Bluff TrailShady hemlock loop to bluff views over Jack LakeModerate · 2.2 mi · 1.7 hr
1.3 mi awayHemlock Bluff LookoutShort forest hike to a peaceful Jack Lake bluff viewParking · Scenic Viewpoint
2.7 mi awayHighland Backpacking TrailClassic multi-day forest-and-lake loop with punchy climbs and lookoutsChallenging · 21.7 mi · 14 hr
2.7 mi awayHighland Backpacking Trail – Provoking Lake LoopLakeside camps, lookouts, and constant ups/downs—worth the work.Challenging · 15.3 mi · 9 hr
