After leaving the parking lot the trail makes it's way past a swampy area before starting the first of two steep climbs. The trail takes a left turn and you have the first stunning vista of Algonquin park.
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The path follows the edge of the ridge for several hundred metres and you can clearly see Whitefish Lake, Lake of Two Rivers and other features from this high vantage point. The trail then turns away from the edge and heads east into the thick Algonquin forest. After passing a beaver pond the trail climbs sharply again and you soon come to another lookout, higher than before. You are now close to 170 meters (560 feet) higher than the parking lot.
The trail meanders south for a while, following cliff edges and then darting back into the forest. Elevation changes occur often. After one steep descent you will come out on the picturesque Cloud Lake. This small lake has a beautiful cliff backdrop.
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A rugged section follows Cloud Lake as the trail turns west and darts up and down before going past a very pretty pond and then climbing one last time to another ridge. From this vantage point you have a clear view of Whitefish Lake and, further south, Rock Lake.
After following this ridge for a while the path then descends past Rutter Lake and descends steeply back down to the parking lot.
This hike is definitely not for inexperienced hiker. There are many elevation changes and the footing is sometimes treacherous. Sturdy footwear is necessary.
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