Pros & cons
PROS
- Clockwise direction gives a gentler grade and hits the lookout early
- Varied terrain in a short loop: creek, hemlock forest, bog, boardwalks, and lake
CONS
- Boardwalks and creekside sections can be wet or submerged after rains
- Fall color is muted here due to extensive hemlock canopy
Signed parking lot at km 30 on Highway 60; day-use permit required.
Rooty, rocky footing with slick spots after rain; high water can cover boardwalks; heavy bugs in spring; limited cell service; not stroller-friendly; winter cold and wind—check conditions.
Overview
This is a 5.8 km/3.6 mi loop that packs a lot into a moderate, well-marked circuit: towering hemlock forest, a lively creek with short falls and boardwalks, a classic Algonquin bog, a tea-colored lake, and a short climb to a lookout. Expect rolling ups and downs with rooty, rocky footing—sturdy shoes matter. It’s typically a 2–2.5 hour outing for most hikers.
Route Highlights
Starting from the signed lot at km 30 on Highway 60, many hikers prefer a clockwise loop for a gentler warm‑up to the lookout before descending toward the bog and Bat Lake. Along the way you’ll follow a creek (boards can be wet or partially submerged in high water), pass an impressive hemlock stand, and reach a viewpoint that’s pleasant—though some find the sightlines partly filtered by trees. Keep an eye out around the 2 km mark for a neat “floating rock” formation. Interpretive themes touch on the acidic, tea‑stained waters of Bat Lake and the area’s ecology.
What to Expect
Footing varies: roots, rocks, short steeps, and some slick patches after rain. Sections near the creek can be muddy, and seasonal high water can lap over the boardwalks. It’s a solid family hike for active kids but not stroller‑friendly. Dogs are allowed on leash. Cell service can be spotty—download a map before you go. A valid day‑use permit is required to access the trail.
Best Times to Hike
April through October offers the friendliest hiking conditions. Spring (May–June) can be buggy—bring repellent and cover up. Late summer into early fall sees fewer bugs, but rains can make roots and rocks slick. Fall colors here are more subdued than maple-heavy viewpoints because of the many hemlocks. In winter, the loop is often used and well marked for hiking or snowshoeing, but cold and wind exposure are real—check conditions and bring traction if it’s icy. Posted hours are generally 7 AM–10 PM; plan to finish before closing. Crowds are usually lighter than some Highway 60 classics, especially early or late in the day.
Tips
- Clockwise feels smoother and front‑loads the lookout.
- Stay on trail and boardwalks; there may be research plots nearby.
- After heavy rain, expect wet boards and muddy patches—trekking poles help.
Elevation
3.6 mi · 2.3 hrWhere it starts
45.5770, -78.5221Near Bat Lake Trail
All places →All trails →
0.3 mi awayMew Lake Airfield (Old Airfield)Open meadow for easy wildlife watching beside Mew Lake
0.3 mi awayMew Lake CampgroundYear-round campground with power, quiet loop, and lakeside beachCampground · Restroom
0.3 mi awayHighland Backpacking TrailClassic multi-day forest-and-lake loop with punchy climbs and lookoutsChallenging · 21.7 mi · 14 hr
0.3 mi awayHighland Backpacking Trail – Provoking Lake LoopLakeside camps, lookouts, and constant ups/downs—worth the work.Challenging · 15.3 mi · 9 hr
0.3 mi awayProvoking Lake LoopRugged, rooty loop with classic Algonquin lakes and ridgesChallenging · 11.8 mi · 6.5 hr
0.5 mi awayTwo Rivers Trail LookoutShort loop to a pine-topped cliff with big valley viewsTrailhead · Parking
0.5 mi awayTwo Rivers TrailShort forest loop to a cliffy lookout with big Algonquin viewsModerate · 1.4 mi · 1 hr
0.6 mi awayBat LakeQuiet little lake on a mellow loop off Highway 60Trailhead · Parking
