Natch Lookout Trail

This is a short out-and-back from the Petawawa River to the cliff tops near The Natch. The mapped footpath spans about 0.33 miles one way, so plan on roughly 0.7 miles round trip if you return along it. No official mileage is published; allow about half an hour for the climb and return, plus time at the view. It makes sense as a break on a Petawawa canoe trip, not as a road-access day hike.

A paddling account describes camping below The Natch, finding a path on river-left, and climbing to the cliff tops. The mapped line follows the wooded headland above the water; at the top, the river and forested gorge open below. The climb is described as steep in spots. The exact landing and on-ground tread are not confirmed, so verify your take-out from the river and keep a safe distance from the cliff edge.

Researchers who compared Tom Thomson’s sketches with the landscape believe Petawawa, Algonquin Park and Petawawa Gorges, Night were painted at The Natch. They also acknowledge that their photographs cannot prove the match. Treat it as a compelling possibility, not a settled attribution.

There is no road access or vehicle trailhead. Reach the riverside site below The Natch by canoe; an overnight trip needs the appropriate interior camping reservation and permit. Dogs are allowed in Algonquin on a leash no longer than 2 m, though no rule specific to this footpath was found.