The season of outdoor exploration has arrived in Huntsville, which can only mean one thing – it's time to lace up your hiking boots and discover the breathtaking trails that wind through Muskoka's magnificent landscape! From thundering waterfalls that stir your sense of wonder to peaceful lakeside paths that soothe your soul, Huntsville's hiking trails offer nature's most spectacular gifts just waiting for your discovery.
Whether you're searching for a heart-pumping forest trek or a gentle family-friendly stroll, this picturesque corner of Ontario delivers outdoor experiences that will leave you speechless and coming back for more.
Keep reading below to discover seven incredible hiking trails available to you in and around Huntsville, each with its own unique charm and stunning views!
Just minutes from downtown, Lion's Lookout delivers one of Muskoka's most captivating panoramas. From this vantage point, your gaze sweeps across the shimmering waters of both Muskoka River and Fairy Lake, with Huntsville nestled perfectly between them. The lookout's distinctive structure—a four-pillar, red-roofed gazebo perched dramatically upon natural rock and bordered by an aged stone wall—has watched over Huntsville for nearly a century. During the mid-1900s, the Lion's Club took responsibility for maintaining this treasured landmark, giving it the name used today.
Autumn transforms this scene into something truly magical, as surrounding forests burst into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold hues, making it a favourite spot for witnessing fall colours. Informational signage boards scattered throughout offer fascinating insights into the region's rich history and show how the landscape has evolved over the past century, connecting you with Huntsville's heritage while you soak in its modern beauty.
Difficulty: Intermediate. The 1.3km trail takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. Though moderately challenging due to steady inclines, many visitors drive directly to the lookout if time or mobility is limited.
This enchanting 3.4km paved pathway showcases Muskoka's natural diversity through an impressive variety of landscapes that unfold around every bend. One moment you're strolling through open meadows where wildflowers dance in summer breezes, the next you're surrounded by towering hardwood forests with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, and then you're crossing serene wetlands teeming with life via picturesque bridges over bubbling streams.
What truly makes this trail shine is its remarkable accessibility and versatility. The smooth paved surface welcomes everyone from hikers and runners to cyclists and families pushing strollers, making outdoor adventure accessible to all ages and abilities. Educational marker signs positioned strategically along the route introduce you to local wildlife and native vegetation, turning a simple walk into a fascinating outdoor classroom about Muskoka's natural ecosystems.
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail features gentle hills and small bridges crossing waterways. Most visitors complete it in about 65 minutes. The paved surface makes it accessible for hikers, runners, cyclists, and families with strollers.
This remarkable 4.6km multi-purpose pathway blends urban convenience with natural splendour. Serving as Huntsville's own section of the Trans Canada Trail, it begins near Centre Street bridge and winds alongside the picturesque Muskoka River, taking you beneath a historic railway trestle before following the southern shoreline of Hunters Bay. Your journey continues through Avery Beach Park and extends under Highway 11 to East Airport Road.
What makes this trail truly special is its incredible diversity packed into a relatively short distance. As you meander along, you'll experience riverside views, apple orchards, wooded sections, and beach areas. The trail surface varies as you progress, featuring natural surfaces, compacted soil, hard-packed paths, and the distinctive boardwalk sections.
The star attraction of Hunters Bay Trail is undoubtedly its extensive floating boardwalk system. What began as a 137-metre stretch has grown through recent extensions to span over 500 metres of composite decking that glides above the waters of Hunter's Bay.
The newer section of floating boardwalk runs underneath Highway 11 to Lakeshore Road, connecting different parts of the trail while offering unique vantage points for observing the surrounding natural environment. This impressive feat of engineering allows hikers to experience the bay from perspectives impossible to achieve from shore.
For hot summer days, the boardwalk includes several swim ladders strategically positioned along its length, making it perfect for cooling off with a quick dip. You'll often spot locals and visitors alike using these access points for swimming and fishing throughout the warmer months, creating a lively community atmosphere.
Nature appreciation is encouraged through numerous benches thoughtfully placed along the boardwalk at the most scenic viewpoints. These seating areas invite you to pause, rest, and fully absorb the spectacular water views and wildlife activity. Early mornings often reward patient observers with sightings of great blue herons fishing in the shallows.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Multiple access points allow customized hike lengths. Most visitors complete the entire route in approximately 2.5 hours.
Located just 10km north of downtown Huntsville, this natural paradise offers an impressive network of 15km of trails winding through varied terrain. The star attraction is the Arrowhead Lake Trail—a gorgeous 5.1km path that hugs the perimeter of the park's major lake, rewarding hikers with stunning vistas across shimmering waters and vibrant wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled along the shoreline for sightings of the park's namesake plant.
The crown jewel of Arrowhead's trail system is Stubb's Falls, accessible via a scenic 2.6km loop. This mesmerizing waterfall features the Little East River cascading dramatically down a rock chute, creating a symphony of rushing water that awakens your senses. Spring visitors receive an extra treat as the trail bursts with colourful wildflowers and the musical chorus of returning songbirds.
Equally impressive is the spectacular Big Bend Lookout—a short walk from the parking lot on Roe Campground Road culminating at a viewing platform with breathtaking views of the winding Big East River meandering through the lush Muskoka landscape. Geology enthusiasts will marvel at the sight of a river that has carved 23 meters into the valley over 10,000 years, exposing sandy delta layers from ancient glacial activity—like reading the earth's history book.
Additional noteworthy trails include Beaver Meadow Trail (4km), where patient wildlife watchers might spot otters, moose, or great blue herons; Homesteaders Trail (2.8km), which crosses terrain where 1870s pioneers once farmed; and Mayflower Lake Trail (2.1km), a challenging loop encircling a small, deep, spring-fed lake with spectacular views.
Difficulty: Varies from easy (Stubb's Falls Loop) to moderate (Arrowhead Lake Trail) to challenging (Mayflower Lake Trail).
This hidden gem showcases one of Ontario's most impressive waterfalls in a compact yet spectacular setting. Ragged Falls, ranked among Ontario's top 10 waterfalls, features a dramatic 25-meter vertical drop over a horizontal distance of 200 meters, creating a long, steep cascade that twists and turns during its journey downward. The thunderous roar greets you even from the parking area, building excitement as you approach.
Beyond the falls themselves, this remarkable 382-hectare park protects a significant waterway corridor along the Oxtongue River. History buffs might spot sparse remnants of log chutes and dams—fascinating evidence of the lumber industry from the late 1800s when the river served as part of the bustling Gilmour Timber Route.
Difficulty: Easy. The 1km trail takes approximately 15-20 minutes each way with modest hills, making it accessible for most visitors.
This privately owned yet publicly accessible wilderness haven boasts 20 private lakes and more than 10,000 acres of unspoiled mixed forest. For those seeking "off the beaten path" experiences, Limberlost offers over 70 kilometres of trails completely free of charge to the public.
The Solitaire Trail circles the largest lake on the property, guiding you past fascinating features including a massive quartz outcrop, historical homestead sites, and the stunning Echo Rock Lookout with its breathtaking panoramic views. The Buck Lake Trail offers another remarkable journey, hugging the shoreline of the second-largest lake and crossing an abandoned beaver dam that borders a secluded bird sanctuary.
What makes Limberlost truly special is the exceptional quality of its paths—more than two-thirds are meticulously groomed and qualify as high-quality routes rather than rugged hiking paths. Many sections have been thoughtfully widened to allow friends and families to walk side-by-side, chatting away without constantly watching their footing.
Difficulty: Ranges from easy (Clear Lake Trail, 1.5km) to more challenging (Echo Rock Trail, 5.5km).
Canada's oldest provincial park (established 1893) spans 7,635 square kilometres with thousands of lakes, dense forests, and an extensive network of trails that showcase Ontario's natural splendour at its finest.
Wildlife enthusiasts will fall in love with the Mizzy Lake Trail, offering exceptional opportunities for animal sightings along its 11-kilometre route past nine ponds and small lakes. The Spruce Bog Boardwalk presents a family-friendly 1.5-kilometre loop through a characteristic northern Black Spruce bog, making it perfect for birdwatching and introducing little ones to nature's wonders.
The Lookout Trail rewards your moderate effort with breathtaking panoramic views spanning hundreds of square kilometres of pristine wilderness. Beaver Pond Trail provides excellent views of beaver ponds and their industrious inhabitants, while the quick Hardwood Lookout Trail culminates in spectacular vistas of shimmering Smoke Lake.
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Centennial Ridges Trail offers a demanding 10-kilometre loop featuring significant elevation gains. In contrast, the Whiskey Rapids Trail provides a gentler 2.1-kilometre exploration along the picturesque Oxtongue River.
Difficulty: Varies widely from easy boardwalks to strenuous ridge climbs, accommodating all hiking abilities.
After a day of outdoor adventure, Huntsville's culinary scene offers delightful rewards for hungry hikers. The town boasts an impressive array of dining options, from casual waterfront patios where you can watch the sunset over the lake while enjoying fresh local fare, to intimate fine dining establishments showcasing the best of Muskoka's regional cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to sample craft beers from local breweries that capture the spirit of the region in each sip, or discover charming cafés serving artisanal coffees and freshly baked goods—perfect for fueling up before hitting the trails.
While the trails may close at dusk, Huntsville's cultural scene comes alive after dark. The town hosts a vibrant live music scene with performances spanning genres from folk and jazz to rock and classical. Check the calendar at the historic Algonquin Theatre for professional productions, or discover local talent at welcoming pubs and restaurants throughout town.
After exploring these magnificent trails, you'll quickly realize that a day trip simply isn't enough to fully experience Huntsville's natural wonders. Extending your adventure with an overnight stay—or better yet, a multi-day excursion—allows you to immerse yourself in both the stunning wilderness and the vibrant local culture that makes this region so special.
Huntsville offers a diverse range of places to rest your trail-weary feet, catering to every preference and budget. Choose from charming lakeside resorts where you can wake up to misty waters right outside your window, or full-service hotels with all the modern amenities.
By extending your stay, you'll transform what could be a rushed sampling of trails into a rich, immersive journey through one of Ontario's most beautiful regions—creating memories that will call you back to Huntsville's trails season after season.