Hemlock Bluff - Algonquin Provincial Park

The Hemlock Bluff trail in Algonquin is one of the lesser known hikes in the Park. It isn't as rugged as Centennial Ridges, or as spectacular as Lookout. This means that, generally, the trail will not be as busy as some of the others in the Park. The parking lot is at km 27 along Highway 60.

According to the guidebook the path is 3.5km in length ... my GPS says I walked 3.7km. Either way the trail can usually be done in about an hour for experienced hikers, and up to two otherwise (I took 1:04 and that included many photo stops and a snack break).

View from the Hemlock bluff.

The trail starts with a moderate rise to the Hemlock bluff ... a 60m rise in elevation over the first kilometre. The view is attractive but not spectacular. The vista is over a narrow arm of the lake so there aren't any sweeping views like you will find on other hikes. After following the bluff for a short time you descend rather sharply to lake level. There is a great lunch spot here under the Hemlocks.

The trail follows the shoreline for a while and then pulls away with many slight elevation changes, none major. It returns to the shoreline of another arm of the lake before crossing a boardwalk and returning inland again. The last kilometre of the hike is rather flat and returns you to the trailhead.

As a word of warning. The parking area is on the south side of Highway 60 while the trailhead is on the north side. Please exercise caution while crossing the busy highway.

For more photos of the Hemlock Bluff trail, please click here.






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