Whether you live in Muskoka year round or are just visiting for a few days and are looking for new ways to explore Muskoka’s rugged landscapes keep reading below!

 Muskoka and the Algonquin Highlands are home to around 100 hiking trails (by my best estimate) between several provincial parks and different municipality trails all with varying views and difficulty levels. As a family photographer here in Muskoka I am always looking for a great new view to bring couples and families for their outdoor sessions. Below I’ve listed my absolute can’t miss trails to hike here in Muskoka, and maybe book your next session!

First at the Southern end of Muskoka is Hardy Lake (Long Loop), located in Hardy Lake Provincial Park in Torrance Ontario ( about 30 minutes east of Gravenhurst) . This hiking trail is one of my all time favorites with towering pine and fir trees, boardwalks through tiny islands and great views of Hardy Lake from many scenic lookouts which also make great places to stop for a picnic. While the park does have several trails I recommend taking the longest loop to not miss out on the boardwalks or any of these can’t miss views. While the longest loop is 8km, the trail is mostly flat with several sections that can get muddy after a storm, so it’s the perfect balance for families with kids who are still looking for a little bit of a challenge. I do recommend proper shoes or hiking boots, since there are pine needles and sticks that can cause injuries with open toed shoes. One of my favorite views from this hike is right at the beginning of the trail (or the end of the long loop), it features a mostly flat rock section looking out onto the calm lake perfect for picnics, reading or family sessions.

Next we’re coming right into Huntsville for the Hunters Bay Trail, if you’ve been through Muskoka you’ve likely driven through Huntsville and over Hunters Bay on highway 11, where our next trail is located. This trail is a staple for locals who enjoy walking it in all seasons, it’s a paved hiking trail that follows the shoreline of Hunters Bay from downtown Huntsville all the way around to the far side of Hunters Bay under the bridge on Highway 11, there are many benches throughout the 6.8km trail, perfect for resting and taking in the view. Halfway through the trail it opens up to Avery Beach Park, which has a covered picnic area and a little beach for swimming. Two of my all time favorite features of this trail are the two boardwalks located near the end of the trail along with Orchard Park. These are perfect locations for late afternoon and golden hour photo sessions with your family, partner or the perfect place to make some unforgettable memories. Since the trail is mostly paved, any footwear is suitable and this trail is fully suitable for families of all ages, though I do recommend watching younger family members near the water since it is quite deep in some sections.

Next we head into Arrowhead Park for Stubbs Falls Trail and Arrowhead lookout trails. These hiking trails are a little bit shorter but worth the visit! Stubbs Falls Loop is a 2.6km trail that follows a small river and comes out at a waterfall and then finishes through a forested area that is covered in Trilliums in the springtime. The waterfall and surrounding area is very popular through most of the year, but can make for some great family memories. I recommend good footwear for this trail as it can become extremely muddy, but overall it’s suitable for family members of all ages, I just recommend keeping an eye on younger ones through the waterfall sections. Also located in Arrowhead Park is the Arrowhead Lake Trail, this trail is aptly named since it’s a loop trail that follows the shoreline of Arrowhead lake located in the center of the park and is 6.6km long. The wide shaded trails are great for photo sessions with families or couples, and for the most part I would say that this trail is flat and easy, though there is one steep hill about halfway through to ascend to the last half of the lake. Good shoes should be worn though the trail is free of roots and sticks so open toed shoes should be fine. Overall both these trails are great options if you’re looking for an afternoon activity. 

Heading onto highway 60 about 30 minutes from downtown Huntsville you’ll find Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve  which has two of my favorite trails; Buck Lake and Solitaire Lake. These trails have some absolutely amazing views, but I would definitely recommend these trails to families looking for an adventurous experience and have experience hiking more moderate trails. Buck Lake Trail is a 4.3km loop trail that goes around the shoreline of Buck Lake, up onto a lookout and then descends back down to complete the loop. The trail is narrow and ascends through a rich pine forest offering lovely tones of green and gold, there are a number of roots sticking out so good footwear is recommended but the rough terrain pays off in the breathtaking views that follow along this moderate trail. Solitaire Lake loop trail also located in Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a 6.3km that also follows the shore of Solitaire Lake, this trail offers better maintained pathways as it ascends to two lookouts from which you have a great view of Solitaire Lake though the steep lookouts do mean caution should be taken with furry and younger family members. Both these trails offer unique experiences for both your next family hike that shouldn’t be missed.

Further down Highway 60 we come to Ragged Falls, just outside Algonquin Park, located on the picturesque Oxtongue River in Ragged Falls Provincial Park. Ragged Falls is by far the shortest trail at 1.1km but offers my all time favorite views. This is an absolute can’t miss on your next trip in Muskoka, the calm and peaceful river that transitions into powerful falls and the rapids create a beautiful and unique experience. The flat rocks that make up the top portion of the waterfalls offer the perfect space for family and couples sessions or a great place to sit and just take in the view. The area is very loud so ear defenders are my personal recommendation for anyone sensitive to loud noise. The area can be slippery and wet due to the falls so I always recommend good footwear to ensure safety. Though this trail is a must see for all family members, the fast powerful water and jagged rapids can pose a safety issue so watching pets and younger family members is always recommended. 

At last we’re finally into Algonquin Park and our final two trails which are Track and Tower and Mizzy Lake Trail, these two trails are also the longest trails featured on this list. Track and Tower trail is an absolutely beautiful loop trail along the highway 60 corridor and has a length of 8km officially though my watch tracked it at closer to 9 km. This trail is definitely moderate due to the amount of elevation gained at an impressive 273 meters, and I’d recommend it to families or couples looking for an adventure. The trail winds around a small lake and through forested maples coming out at a small waterfall and rapids and then follows the river into a marshy area before beginning the ascent up to the lookout. The hike up to the lookout is extremely steep going up several hills before the final climb up an impressive amount of stairs to the lookout. Once you reach the top the lookout is close by and offers an amazing view of the valley below dotted with lakes and forest, this view is not to be missed and the flat rocks surrounding the lookout make for a unique photo spot, though the hike to get there may be too challenging for some. Good hiking boots are recommended since the ground can be uneven and the extra stability from a solid pair of hiking boots can be an asset. This hike is mostly risk free for pets and younger family members since all stairs have railings, but the lookout at the top doesn’t have a fence so caution should be taken with pets and younger family members. Lastly is Mizzy Lake Trail, this is a 12 km loop trail and my longest hike to date, Mizzy lake follows through several lakes and marshland and the trail and mostly flat, though the uneven trail conditions can be hazardous and make good hiking boots a personal must for this trail. There are several scenic spots along the several boardwalks and viewpoints, and this trail provides a great chance to see a moose. The wild and free views of the marshland can create extremely unique photo session opportunities with their calming neutral tones. This hike is mostly flat and should be suitable for most hikers of all ages.

Muskoka is a vast region geographically and visually and offers many different unique opportunities so the next time you’re looking for a unique photo session idea or just want to get away into nature with your family check out these trails.