Booth’s Rock Trail: A Must Hike Trail in Algonquin Park’s Highway 60 Corridor

Along the highway 60 corridor of Algonquin Park is a nature lover's playground. Some of the best hikes in all of Ontario can be found right here. There are hikes of different lengths and intensities, so you’re able to choose your own adventure! Booth’s Rock Trail is one of the most popular, and for good reason! From the lookout with panoramic views, the old Barclay Estate for a bit of Algonquin History, and the gorgeous forest, this hike has a bit of everything! It’s the perfect day hike for those exploring Ontario’s most famous park. 

Trail Overview: Distance and Difficulty

This 5.1 km trail is marked as moderate, with a few inclines and declines and some rocky terrain. This trail is suitable for most hikers, with a reasonable level of fitness. It has a stunning lookout point, multiple lakes, and the gorgeous forest you go through, you get so much out of those 5 kilometers. Prepare to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours exploring the fantastic hike! 

The trail starts within the Rock Lake campground, which is 9km off of Highway 60 at kilometer 40.5. After driving into the campground, there is signage taking you to the trailhead parking lot. Start the hike by getting one of the trail guides (don’t forget to leave a donation behind if you’re planning on keeping the guide).The guides not only have a map, but provide interesting information about the ecology of the forest, the history of Algonquin, and more! 

Rosepond and Gordon Lake: Serene Lakes to Start the Trail

The hike starts off by taking you in through a beautiful mixed forest.With both deciduous and coniferous trees, this trail has a great variety of foliage and plants! Less than a kilometer in, you come across Rosepond Lake. This small lake is so quiet and serene. You continue on, and with a short side trail, you get another beautiful view of Gordon Lake.

The Spectacular Booth’s Rock Lookout

After Gordon Lake is where the real fun, the elevation, begins! The forest along this section has a lot of mossy undergrowth, giving it an enchanted feel. After the climb, you come out to a big opening on a rocky outcrop. Here, you are rewarded with a truly spectacular, panoramic view of Rock Lake, and the surrounding Algonquin Highlands, making this hike more than worth it. The surrounding forests provide a gorgeous backdrop year round, but in the fall, the maples, birches, oaks, and more, come alive with their fall colours! This view is amazing in any season, but if you are able to get one of the coveted passes to do this in the fall, the fall colours will not disappoint! If the first lookout is too busy, you can continue on, and just a bit further is another gorgeous lookout to enjoy. Either of these spots are the perfect place to enjoy a snack, take a break, and catch your breath, and enjoy the moment! 

Once you have taken it all in, you continue on the trail and begin your ascent. This trail has a large set of stairs to assist in the descent, and your knees will thank you for it! What goes up must come down, so the descent is significant here.