Pros & cons
PROS
- Cliff‑top viewpoints on a very short loop right off Highway 60
- Interpretive trail guide that ties the scenery to forest change
- Near campgrounds and the store for easy add‑on to any itinerary
CONS
- Unfenced cliff edges require close attention with kids and dogs
- Buggy in late spring and early summer; go prepared
- Rooty, rocky footing can be slick after rain
Dedicated, medium‑sized lot at km 31 on Highway 60 (approx. 45.579661, -78.512984). A valid park day‑use permit is required; camping reservations typically cover parking.
Unfenced cliff drop‑offs near lookouts; keep kids and dogs close. Roots and rocks can be slippery when wet. Mosquitoes can be intense in May–June.
Overview
A classic Highway 60 leg‑stretcher, Two Rivers Trail is a 1.4‑mile (2.3‑km) loop with an officially moderate rating. The route climbs gently through mixed forest to a pine‑clad cliff with several lookouts. It’s short, scenic, and approachable—expect roughly 50–60 m (170–200 ft) of total gain.
The Hike
From the trailhead at km 31 on Highway 60, the loop winds through shaded woods with roots and rock steps, then eases onto open bedrock near the top for broad views over the surrounding hills and waterways. The interpretive theme here is change in Algonquin’s forests—grab the trail guide if you like learning as you walk. Underfoot can be uneven and slick when wet; sturdy shoes pay off.
Best Time to Hike
Go early or late in the day for quieter lookouts and softer light. Late spring and early summer bring heavy mosquitoes—carry bug spray or a head net. After rain, expect slick roots and rocks. In winter, the loop is often used on snowshoes when conditions allow.
Planning Tips
- Logistics are easy: a dedicated lot sits right off Highway 60 near Lake of Two Rivers and Mew Lake campgrounds, with a day‑use park permit required. If you’re camping in the park, your reservation typically covers parking.
- Foot traffic only—no bikes. Dogs are okay on leash.
- Don’t confuse this loop with the nearby Old Railway Bike Trail segment to the Lake of Two Rivers dam; that’s a different, mostly flat experience.
Is it worth it?
Yes—especially if you want a quick payoff without a big climb. It isn’t the park’s most dramatic vista, but the combination of short distance, forest feel, and cliff‑top lookouts makes it a reliable crowd‑pleaser.
Elevation
1.4 mi · 1 hrWhere it starts
45.5796, -78.5126Near Two Rivers Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayTwo Rivers Trail LookoutShort loop to a pine-topped cliff with big valley viewsTrailhead · Parking
0.3 mi awayLake of Two Rivers StoreAll-in-one camp store for groceries, meals, and bike rentalsFood · Restaurant
0.3 mi awayMew Lake CampgroundYear-round campground with power, quiet loop, and lakeside beachCampground · Restroom
0.3 mi awayMew Lake Airfield (Old Airfield)Open meadow for easy wildlife watching beside Mew Lake
0.5 mi awayBat Lake TrailHemlocks, boardwalks, and a quiet tea-colored lake loop.Moderate · 3.6 mi · 2.3 hr
0.8 mi awayHighland Backpacking TrailClassic multi-day forest-and-lake loop with punchy climbs and lookoutsChallenging · 21.7 mi · 14 hr
0.8 mi awayHighland Backpacking Trail – Provoking Lake LoopLakeside camps, lookouts, and constant ups/downs—worth the work.Challenging · 15.3 mi · 9 hr
0.8 mi awayProvoking Lake LoopRugged, rooty loop with classic Algonquin lakes and ridgesChallenging · 11.8 mi · 6.5 hr
