Mizzy Lake Trail

Mizzy Lake Trail is a 10.8 km (6.7 mi) loop from the Highway 60 and Arowhon Road access, circling nine ponds and small lakes through forest and wetland. It is a wildlife and birding walk, not a dash to one viewpoint: the reward is the changing water edges and time to notice what moves there. Keep most of the day free and start early; six hours is a sensible plan with stops.

The park's published loop is 10.8 km; a mapped track measures 11.3 km, and walkers often record 11–12 km, sometimes longer with detours. Use about 11 km for planning. Difficulty assessments range from moderate to difficult. The main challenge is the length and uneven, sometimes wet footing, not one sustained climb.

Most of the loop is natural forest tread, with roots and stones underfoot and short wooden boardwalks over some wet spots. Mud and standing water can slow the walk after rain. The grade is generally gentle, but you keep stepping around rough ground, so the day takes longer than the mileage alone suggests. If you want an easy stroll or a fast outing, this is the wrong choice; plan for a steady, patient pace.

The route visits nine ponds and small lakes, including Wolf Howl Pond, West Rose Lake, Flycatcher Bog, Source Lake, Mizzy Lake and Dizzy Lake. Rather than one big vista, the scenery shifts between marsh edges, water, and closed-canopy forest. Part of the loop follows an abandoned railway bed. The Algonquin Railway rails were removed in 1959, and the old corridor now makes a distinctive stretch of the walk.

Mizzy is one of Algonquin's recommended birding walks, and the wetlands are the reason to slow down. Warblers and other breeding birds are especially active here in May and June. Moose and beaver are the animals people most hope to see; visitors also report turtles, otters and a range of birds. None is guaranteed. Take time at the ponds and scan the water edge and tree line instead of treating the loop as a workout to finish quickly.

The marked access is at Highway 60 km 15.4, where Arowhon Road meets the highway. A valid park permit is required, and pets are not allowed on this trail. Start early enough to enjoy the wetlands without watching the clock. Mosquitoes and flies can be heavy in warm weather, and muddy sections depend on recent weather.