Hiking
Hiking
Fork Lake Trail | Algonquin Park
Exciting news for Algonquin Park and for those who are eager to explore new trails along the hwy 60 corridor! In June of 2025, Algonquin Park celebrated the opening of a brand new hiking trail, thanks to The Friends of Algonquin Park and their donors, along with a host of very dedicated and hard working volunteers. The Fork Lake Trail was a gift to Algonquin Park from the Friends of Algonquin, and in turn, a gift to all of us that are passionate about the outdoors.
When you take the time to pause at any of several captivating lookouts along the trail, it’s easy to appreciate the spectacular beauty of this area as well as the extraordinary effort that went into creating an accessible trail, for one to be able to share in this experience.
On a dull, grey day when the vibrant colours of a late September forest seem to jump out against rainy, overcast skies, we headed out to check out Algonquin’s first new trail in over 20 years. The Fork Lake Trail is located at km 43 on hwy 60 next to the Visitors Centre. There is plenty of parking right at the trailhead and while you’re in the area its a great time to check out all that the Visitors Centre has to offer.
Algonquin Park's Newest Hiking Trail
The 2.4 km loop is rated as moderate - challenging, depending on where you source your information. Keep in mind, what may be moderate for one may be difficult for another, so know your level of ability. As always, I would strongly suggest good footwear. Good mobility and a healthy set of lungs are certainly an asset. Steep inclines and declines, stairs, boardwalks and rugged, natural terrain provide a wide variety of surfaces underfoot with lots of opportunity to take breaks, absorb your surroundings and catch your breath, should you need to do so.
The trail begins with a hill leading down into the valley so you get an idea of what you’re in for right away. What goes down, must come up and in this case … and up and down, and up and down… The views are well worth the effort.
The trail winds its way through a variety of habitat typical of Algonquin Park. Boardwalks immerse you in the environment of spruce bogs, abundant with skinny, black spruce, sphagnum mosses, aromatic Labrador tea, sweet gale and bunch berry, species common to moist, wet and acidic soils.
Lots of Great Vantage Points
Rocky and root scattered paths guide you through tree growth common to deciduous forests, species such as maple, birch, poplar and beech. White pine, one of my favourite trees, become more evident where deciduous and coniferous growth begin to mingle.
As you climb in elevation up long sets of sturdy stairs, remember to pause and take in the amazing rock formations and the abundance of vegetation that find a home in this rugged environment. Listen for the voices of any of the many bird species that are common to the region throughout the different seasons.
The many lookouts that you will encounter along the trail provide an rewarding opportunity to capture long scenic views overlooking wetlands, distant ridges, creeks and of course Fork Lake. Fork Lake can be paddled via the nearby Sunday Creek access point that leads into Norway Lake, then a short portage into Fork Lake and beyond. We can’t look at a river or lake, no mater what the size and not think of paddling it!
As the seasons change and we enter into the colder months of the year the environment around us shifts offering different aspects to be noticed. We are both looking forward to visiting The Fork Trail again to witness the signs of wildlife after an early snow, ferns drooping with the weight of an early morning frost, or ice forming where a small trickle of water emerges from a rock crevice. There is so much to take in.
So grab your park pass, dress for the weather and let your boots hit the trail!
Sue Jamison
How to get to the Fork Lake Trail
Looking for another great hiking spot? Check out the Limberlost Buck Lake Trail
