A true member favourite returns! While the crowds flock to Algonquin to view fall colours, Frontenac is where it's really at.
By late September, the first maples along this loop are already turning red and gold against bare granite, weeks ahead of peak colour further south. That granite is part of the Frontenac Arch, a two-billion-year-old ridge connecting the Canadian Shield to the Adirondacks, and it's what gives this loop its particular look in fall.
The Cedar Lake South Loop runs about 9km through a mix of open granite, rooted forest trails, and genuine wetland: expect boggy sections, small ponds, and stretches where the water clearly has the upper hand on the trail.
Frontenac sits at an ecological crossover point, where northern species like spruce and balsam fir grow next to southern hardwoods like sugar maple, red oak, and yellow birch. That mix means a wider range of fall colour than you'd get from a single-species forest: deep red, burnt orange, and gold, all held together by the seasonal consistency of the dark green conifers.
By the time we're back at the vehicles, you'll have spent the day walking through some of the best fall colours eastern Ontario has to offer!
Self drivers please note - Frontenac is at least a 3hr drive and requires a $15 day pass - you're strongly recommended to choose the transport option for this trip. The day pass is included for anyone riding in the van.
A true member favourite returns! While the crowds flock to Algonquin to view fall colours, Frontenac is where it's really at.
By late September, the first maples along this loop are already turning red and gold against bare granite, weeks ahead of peak colour further south. That granite is part of the Frontenac Arch, a two-billion-year-old ridge connecting the Canadian Shield to the Adirondacks, and it's what gives this loop its particular look in fall.
The Cedar Lake South Loop runs about 9km through a mix of open granite, rooted forest trails, and genuine wetland: expect boggy sections, small ponds, and stretches where the water clearly has the upper hand on the trail.
Frontenac sits at an ecological crossover point, where northern species like spruce and balsam fir grow next to southern hardwoods like sugar maple, red oak, and yellow birch. That mix means a wider range of fall colour than you'd get from a single-species forest: deep red, burnt orange, and gold, all held together by the seasonal consistency of the dark green conifers.
By the time we're back at the vehicles, you'll have spent the day walking through some of the best fall colours eastern Ontario has to offer!
Self drivers please note - Frontenac is at least a 3hr drive and requires a $15 day pass - you're strongly recommended to choose the transport option for this trip. The day pass is included for anyone riding in the van.
Stunning Fall Colours: Red and gold hardwoods press right up against bare granite, the loop's sharpest colour contrast.
Doe Lake Lookout: A gap in the trees opens onto the full length of Doe Lake, framed by granite shoreline and turning hardwoods.
Away from the Crowds: Lesser known spot to enjoy the Fall colours.
07:00 - Shuttle leaves from near Keele Station
10:30 - 15:00 - Meet self drivers trailhead and begin hike, eating lunch en route
15:00 - Drive back to Toronto
19:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
Food and Drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch and water for any of our day trips that don't explicitly say we're making a stop at a restaurant. Where we stop at restaurants, you are responsible for the purchase of any food. Full details are available at the adventure plan, shared above on registration.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
Loading...
Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
...
Where can I find important updates about this hike in the days leading up to it?
Please follow the Discord thread for this adventure under the ‘Upcoming Adventures’ channel, and reach out to us if you are having any issues.
You are now part of the Crew! Wilderness Union has moved to a membership-only model and a membership is required to go on all adventures. For more information, click here.
Continue to join the Crew (Free!)