Track and Tower Trail

During a spring 2026 camping trip to the Mew Lake Campground in Algonquin Provincial Park, I started running into a problem with our campground review posts for that park.

As Porter did more and more of the trails there, the various campground posts in the park were getting pretty unwieldy. There are a bunch of campgrounds along the highway 60 corridor, and doing full trail info sections on each trail, for each campground was getting messy.

This was getting compounded by the fact that Porter was doing more of the epic, longer trails - so WAY more photos and commentary to be done!

So, we made a decision - the Algonquin hiking trails each deserve their own post, going forward. It’s a great incentive to actually do ALL of the trails, too!

Track and Tower Trail was the first trail he did with this in mind.

We already knew that it was one of the most popular trails in Algonquin Park, but didn’t know much about it, besides that. He’d been holding off on doing the bigger trails, kind of feeling guilty that I wasn’t able to.

Well, we finally got over that, and the trail very quickly became one of his top 10 hiking trails, so far - and he’s done a LOT of them.

This is a gorgeous trail, and what we call “ADD Friendly” - ever changing views, lots to look at, etc.

Anyway - on that note - there’s a lot to TALK about, too - so let’s get to it!

The Basics:

Name: Track and Tower Trail
Algonquin Park Section: Highway 60 Corridor
Kilometre Marker: km 25
Season: Year-Round
Trail Length: 7.5 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Suggested Completion Time: 4 hours

Logistics

Some basic information to help you plan your hike on the Track and Tower Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park:

Registration and Check In

All hiking trails in Algonquin Provincial Park require a valid permit to be within the park in the first place. There are a few different ways you can do this, depending on how you’re visiting the trail.

1. If you’re currently camping in Algonquin

If you have a current, valid camping permit for a campground in Algonquin Provincial Park - you just show up to the trail. Your license plate number is already registered with the park, and you’re good to go.

2. If you’re currently camping in a DIFFERENT Provincial Park

If you’re driving in for a day trip from somewhere like nearby Arrowhead Provincial Park, Bonnechere Provincial Park, Lake St Peter Provincial Park, or Silent Lake Provincial Park - you can take advantage of the reciprocal program.

With a few exceptions, a current and valid camping permit from one Ontario Provincial Park will act as a daily vehicle permit at another.

You just need to show up at one of the gates on the way in (East Gate and West Gate are the ones on either end of Highway 60), and show proof of that permit - a paper permit if your campground has it, or your email confirmation.

They will register your license plate number and you’re free to go - no additional fees required!

3. If you have an annual Ontario Parks Pass

Generally speaking, all you have to do is show up at one of the gates, present your pass, and have your license plate noted.

Note: Sometimes you’ll need to reserve a daily vehicle permit ahead of time. This is usually during peak fall colours season, when certain areas of the park reach capacity.

4. If you don’t have any sort of camping permit or Parks Pass in place

You can book your Daily Vehicle Permit online at Ontario Parks Reservations - up to 5 days in advance of your visit.

If you’re planning your visit for October... you might want to be ready to do so right when that 5 day window opens up, to ensure availability!

Otherwise, you can pay for a DVP at any one of the Algonquin Provincial Park gates.

Note: Some of the trailheads have QR codes for booking your DVP, but with such spotty internet throughout the park ... I really recommend doing it ahead of time.

Parking

There is a LARGE parking lot for Track and Tower Trail, located right on the side of the highway.

There are highway entrances / exits at both ends of the parking lot, so it’s suitable for RVs and trailers - assuming there’s enough room.

It’s a popular trail, so - especially during busy periods - parking a larger vehicle in there may be a bit difficult.

Washrooms

There are two sets of washroom facilities at the Track and Tower Trail.

The first is right at the start of the trail, next to the parking lot.

The second washroom is where the Track and Tower trail meets up with the Old Railway Bike Trail. In both cases, it’s a 2-stall outhouse.

Maps and Signage

There is a map at the main trailhead, though there’s not a lot of detail to it.

For a much better map, we recommend grabbing a trail guide - you can borrow and return them at the trailhead when you’re done, or buy one for 50 cents.

Either way, the map in the guide has a LOT more information - trail segment distances, elevation changes, locations of all the sign posts (more on that in a bit!), etc.

Aside from that, some of the number posts also have “you are here” style maps, along the route.

In terms of signage, the trail is blazed well, with blue blazes going forward and white going backwards.

It’s a nice feature, so you don't accidentally get turned around. There are several little offshoots and such along this trail, so it’s nice to be able to keep on track.

The two areas where the Track and Tower trail meets up with / splits off from the Old Railway Trail are REALLY well signed - you won’t end up going the wrong way.

Accessibility

This trail is not going to be appropriate for those with mobility issues.

Aside from the length, there are steep hills, rough ground, and a staircase with 134 steps involved.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on the Track and Tower Trail, but all the standard Ontario Provincial Parks rules apply.

They must be leashed at all times, and aren’t allowed to harass other hikers, wildlife, or plants.

They can’t be left unsupervised, and aren’t allowed to make excessive noise. Owners must pick up after their dogs, and properly dispose of the droppings.

On that note, there are no poop baggie dispensers on site, and no/a garbage can at the trail head. Plan ahead!

Day Use Area

There are no picnic tables or benches at the trailhead, but there is a single picnic table on the trail itself.

This is at the point where the Track and Tower Trail first meets up with the Old Railway Bike Trail. It’s not a particularly scenic location, but a decent enough spot to sit down and take a break.

Connectivity

Cell phone coverage varies wildly in Algonquin Provincial Park, far more so than anywhere else we’ve been.

A spot may have fantastic coverage one day, then none the next. You may have fantastic coverage at one point on a trail, then none just ten metres later.

Carrier, how busy the area is, elevation, and the weather all seem to play a part.

We can’t reliably tell you what the cell coverage will be like on this trail, as a result. Our best advice is to assume there will be no cellular coverage, and plan accordingly.

Note: We can say that the most reliable place we’ve found for cell coverage in Algonquin PP has been the Visitor Center Parking lot. Also, there is wifi available inside the Visitor Centre itself.

Miscellaneous

1. With all of the lakes, the waterfall, and overlook/cliff views, this trail is going to be SO much more beautiful on a sunny day. If you’re able to time your hike around the weather, definitely aim for a clear day!

2. You are definitely going to want sturdy, grippy, and ideally waterproof hiking boots for this trail.

3. This trail would be especially gorgeous in the falls, as the leaves are changing colour.

Activities

Some information on the various things you can do, while hiking the Track and Tower Trail at Algonquin Provincial Park:

Hiking

Here’s what Porter had to say about hiking the Track and Tower Trail.

As a note, the photo sets are all done chronologically, but don’t necessarily line up with Porter’s commentary, below. WAY too much effort to try and fit the photos to the text!

“The trail starts out medium width, easy for single file hiking. It's a well-packed, well worn trail into a forest with a lot of young maple trees.

It follows along a beautiful little stream that trickles over boulders which makes a lovely view and sound.

With rocks and roots in the way, and some short but moderate inclines, this immediately starts out as a moderate difficulty trail.

There are a couple of little side branch options that I noticed. One is simply a small shortcut, quickly connecting back to the main trail.”

“There are multiple boardwalk sections, which are well constructed and in good condition.

By 1.3 km in, I've already passed several marsh sections and arrived at Cache Lake, going through different types of forest. This trail is already providing many beautiful views.

The dam is really cool to see, and just after that you get to the split where you can continue down the dam service road - a shortcut according to the trail guide - or follow the rest of the trail like I chose to do.

The views in this area are absolutely amazing. You take a boardwalk over the river and you follow along it for a while, watching the really cool rapids.”

“The trees beyond that section are really interesting, growing around rocks, I even saw a birch that was growing around an old tree stump. It's nice to see how they adapt to their surroundings.

At 3.35 km, you reach the sign where the second shortcut leads to sign number 9, or you can proceed to sign number 6 at the overlook. Heading towards sign number 6, The trail ascends fairly steeply.

It's rocky but well-packed, some sections damp with a very fine trickle of water. It's not too difficult, but since it is a sustained climb, I'm a bit out of breath by the time I reach what I think is the top.”

“Even though I've climbed quite a bit, there is a massive rock wall to my left. They're amazing and I love the trees growing out of the rocks.

After the big incline, you're treated to a massive set of wooden stairs. There are 134 steps by my count.

After that, there's only a gradual to moderate incline, which really feels like a treat after those stairs.

When I got to signpost 6, I thought that was supposed to be the overlook and I was extremely disappointed.

You get a lovely view of... trees. Lots and lots of trees. Don't worry, keep going, sign post 7 is coming up soon, and that is the actual overlook.”

“The overlook is absolutely stunning. A rocky ledge with an amazing view of the surrounding area below. Photos absolutely cannot do it justice, this is something you have to see in person. When I went, the sun was out on a beautiful day, making this just absolutely gorgeous.

You meet up with the shortcut at signpost 9.

I tried to recreate the photograph of the rail section and rock wall as depicted in the trail guide, but it looks so different, it doesn't even look like the same scene.

It is absolutely beautiful though.

Continuing on, the views are just stunning. I'm probably using that word too much but it really describes it well.”

“You're walking along an easy trail that was once a railway, along this massive wall of rock. It's just a sheer cliff, jagged rocks with trees growing out of it.

I'm no poet, I don't know how to describe this well.

Immediately after that, you see the foundation to the end of what used to be a massive train bridge. You can see footings from old supports further down the line as well.

You're in a pine forest next to the water. I think I need a thesaurus so I can stop saying stunning. Magical? Let's go with magical; the views are magical.

For reference, I'm at 5.4 km when I cross the cool little wooden bridge at the bottom of that rail bridge area.

You climb up again, reaching the other end of the old train bridge. There's a nice little mini day use area at the top with one picnic table, two bike racks, and a trailhead style sign.”

“After this, the trail is very wide and smooth, you could easily walk side by side. It clearly is a hiking and biking path, so be aware they may be others coming by quickly. Lots of Birches or Aspen in the area (I always get those two tree types confused).

There's a dirt road off to the left that joins the trail, but there's a sign that indicates the hiking trail continues on straight, following that old railroad path.

Shortly after that, you pass by a pair of vault toilets, and there are some bike racks there as well.

Immediately after that, there's a split for the Old Railway Bike Trail, or continue on the Track and Tower hiking trail as I did. The signage is very clear and modern, you really can't miss it.”

“As you head back on this final leg, you're back in that younger looking forest.

There are older trees around, but there are also thinner, younger trees and small plants on the forest floor. It's very green and lush for the most part, some sections are a little bit more rough with roots and moderate climb, but it really keeps it interesting.

Overall, I've got to rate this one as borderline difficult.

The entire path is well into the moderate difficulty. That ascent followed by the massive staircase to the overlook is just really into the difficult zone due to how long it is.

You really will want to be in good shape for this trail, there are only a couple points where there's a good spot to rest.”

“The overlook has large boulders you can sit on, and there's that mini day use area with the bike rack at about 5.4 km. Beyond that there's really no good places to sit down.

You're definitely going to need good waterproof footwear here, there are numerous sections of climbing up bouldery walkways and just rough footing all around. There are also numerous muddy areas and mini streams that you'll be crossing.

I measured the trail length as 8.60km on MapMyRun.”

Biking

While the Track and Tower Trail is not appropriate for cycling on itself, it DOES join up with the Old Railway Trail - a mixed use trail that runs through several of the Highway 60 campgrounds, and is popular for cycling on.

There are bike stands at the trail junction, so you can bike to the Track and Tower Trail from other locations, then hike the trail. There’s also an outhouse at that point.

Birding, Wildlife, and Nature

Porter left his Merlin app turned off for the duration of this trail, in an effort to conserve his cell phone battery. (He needed it for photos and trail notes!).

He did not actually take any notes about the birds he saw or heard during his hike.

He wasn’t able to get any bird photos, either - we’d generally been having bad luck with birds during that visit, as everything was staying far up in the trees, hidden among the leaves.

So... nothing really to report!

Educational & Cultural Opportunities

While there are no educational signs on the Track and Tower Trail, you can pick up a Friends of Algonquin trail guide at the trailhead.

It’s free to use and return, or you can keep it for $0.50 - there’s a coin collection pay tube thing at the trailhead.

Alternately, the guides are available for purchase at the visitor centre, and at the gates.

These guides are amazing educational accompaniments to the trails in Algonquin Provincial Park, teaching about the geology, flora, and fauna you might see on your hike, as well as some of the history of the area.

They also tend to include information about the elevation changes throughout each trail.

All around, a great resource to refer to while you’re on the trail!

Winter Activities

The Track and Tower Trail is listed among the “recommended” trails in the Algonquin Provincial Park winter guide - this generally means that the parking lot is actually plowed.

It is not among those groomed for skiing or snowshoeing, so it’s good as a winter hiking trail.

Final Thoughts

Here’s what Porter had to say, when asked to sum up his experience:

“I can definitely see why this is one of the more popular hikes! The views are amazing, even just the forest walks to get to the main viewing point are absolutely gorgeous.

The overlook is iconic, and the area around the old railway bridge was an unexpected treat for me.

I will absolutely do this trail again in the future. As long as you can handle the length and the steep climbs, this is a great trail to explore.”

More Algonquin Provincial Park Trail and Campground Reviews

Want to read some more of what we have to say about the campgrounds and attractions in Algonquin Park?

Check out our Algonquin Provincial Park Mega Post, or any of the links below for even more in-depth info:

Algonquin Provincial Park Campground Guides / Reviews

Achray Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Brent Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Canisbay Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Kearney Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Kiosk Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Lake of Two Rivers Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Mew Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Pog Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Raccoon Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Rock Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Tea Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
Whitefish Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park Trail Guides / Reviews

Barron Canyon Trail, Algonquin Provincial Park
High Falls on York, Algonquin Provincial Park
Provoking Falls, Algonquin Provincial Park

Interested in exploring campgrounds beyond Algonquin Park? We've got a huge - and ever-growing! - list of them here: 2 Nerds in a Truck Campground Reviews.

We also have posts on Ontario Waterfalls, other Places to See, and a ton of Camping Recipes to cook up, while on your adventures!