Booth's Rock Trail

The route begins with a gentler forest climb, passing Rosepond Lake on the way toward Gordon Lake. At the Gordon Lake junction, keep right to stay on the loop; the path that continues straight ends at the lake. That short dead-end is a separate look at the water, not part of the mapped circuit. The main trail gets steeper and rougher after the junction, so this is a good place to check your footing and make sure you have the right branch.

The climb opens onto several rocky viewpoints above Rock Lake, with views toward its forested shoreline, the campground and Whitefish Lake. This is the payoff, so leave time to stop rather than treating the lookout as a quick turn-around. The edges are exposed; keep children close and dogs leashed. On a clear day, frame the lake with the trees at the edge of the rock rather than aiming only at open water.

The lower return passes the remains of the Barclay Estate, once a lakeside retreat associated with Judge George Barclay, a relative of lumberman J.R. Booth. The walk is presented as an account of how people have shaped Algonquin, and these remains make that story tangible. From there the route follows the former Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway grade. Its rock cuts were blasted through the hills; the line through this part of the park stopped carrying trains in 1944. Watch for wet, muddy footing on the lower return, especially after rain.

Start at the Booth's Rock Trail parking lot on Rock Lake Road, 9 km south of Highway 60 at km 40.3. Parking and toilets are listed at the trailhead, but lot capacity and water on the route were not established. A valid park permit is required; check current day-use access before driving in. Dogs are allowed on leash, no longer than 2 m. If you want an easy stroll or dislike rocky climbs and exposed viewpoints, choose a gentler trail instead.