Booth’s Rock Trail: Ontario’s Best Fall Hike (That Sells Out Every Year)

Just 25 minutes from Four Corners Algonquin, there’s a fall hike so stunning it sells out faster than a concert. 

Booth’s Rock Trail is more than a hike — it’s a front-row ticket to autumn magic. With fiery foliage, sweeping Rock Lake views, and a path steeped in Algonquin history, this 5.1 km loop is a crown jewel of Ontario’s fall hiking scene. 

But here’s the catch: spots are limited, and fall access to Booth’s Rock fills up fast.

Whether you're craving a quiet, misty morning hike or an unforgettable sunset lookout, here’s everything you need to know — and why Four Corners is your perfect launchpad.

Booth's Rock Trail head

Why Booth’s Rock Is the Ultimate Fall Hike in Ontario

There are hikes, and then there’s Booth’s Rock Trail — a trail that delivers postcard views, deep history, and the kind of fall magic that makes you forget your inbox exists. 

It’s no surprise that during peak autumn weekends, daily permits for this 5.1 km loop vanish within hours.

Set in Algonquin Park’s heartland, Booth’s Rock offers something few trails can: a rare mix of rugged elevation, rich storytelling, and a jaw-dropping panoramic lookout over Rock Lake that will stop you in your tracks. In fact, only a limited number of hikers each fall get the chance to witness it — Ontario Parks has implemented strict day-use capacity to reduce crowds and protect the landscape.

This is the kind of hike you don’t stumble across — you plan for it. And for those lucky enough to time it right, it becomes a core memory.

Booth's Rock Trail

Quick Booth's Rock Trail Facts

• Location: Accessed from Rock Lake Road, 9 km south of Hwy 60 at km marker 40.3

• Driving Distance: Only 25 minutes from Four Corners Algonquin, your perfect glamping basecamp

• Length: 5.1 km loop

• Elevation: Moderate to high — includes steep climbs and rocky terrain

• Time Estimate: 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace

• Difficulty: Moderate — a good workout with high reward

• Amenities: Parking, washrooms, interpretive signage

• Reservations: Required during peak season (especially fall weekends) — book through Ontario Parks’ day-use system

• GPS Coordinates: 45.518138°, -78.399629°

A lower lookout point along Booth's Rock Trail

What You’ll See Along the Booth's Rock Trail Route

Booth’s Rock Trail isn’t just a pretty walk in the woods — it’s a guided tour through time and terrain. 

Your hike begins with forested paths that skirt small lakes, easing you into the landscape before challenging you with a steady incline up to Booth’s Rock itself.

At the summit? A sweeping, wide-open view of Rock Lake and Whitefish Lake that feels like standing on the edge of a painting. In the fall, the forest canopy explodes into firey reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows — a true panoramic experience that’s become one of the most photographed fall scenes in Ontario.

As you descend, the trail loops past the weathered remains of the Barclay Estate — a ghost of Algonquin’s logging era — and then follows the track of an abandoned railway line, adding texture and surprise to every step. Interpretive signs along the way share stories of man’s impact on this rugged environment, making the journey as mentally engaging as it is physically rewarding.

Stairway through the wood along Booth's Rock Trail

When to Go to Booth's Rock Trail (and Why You Need to Plan Ahead)

Fall colours in Algonquin usually peak between late September and mid-October, and that’s when Booth’s Rock Trail turns into a fiery masterpiece. But here’s the thing: this trail is no secret.

Ontario Parks enforces daily visitor caps. Park permits are available to purchase just 5 days in advance, and tickets sell out fast, especially on weekends – for this trail and others off Highway 60. 

In fact, access to Booth’s Rock is so limited during fall weekends that it’s often compared to snagging tickets to a sold-out concert.

Pro tip: Plan your visit for a weekday morning, or better yet, make it part of a midweek getaway. This gives you a better shot at securing your permit and the peace and quiet this trail deserves.

Lookout point along Booth's Rock Trail

Make Four Corners Your Fall Basecamp

Looking for the perfect place to start (and recover from) your fall hike? Four Corners Algonquin is only a 25-minute scenic drive from the Booth’s Rock trailhead — making it a top choice for hikers who want comfort without compromise.

Whether you’re unwinding in a cozy heated tent after your hike, stargazing under wide-open skies, or warming up with a fire-side meal, Four Corners makes the before and after of your hike just as magical as the trail itself.

Plus, our weekday glamping stays are quieter, cheaper, and come with a special fall discount to make your escape even easier to book.

One of our Safari Tents at Four Corners Algonquin

One Hike. One Season. One Epic Memory.

Booth’s Rock Trail isn’t just one of the best hiking trails in Algonquin — it’s an experience that only a few hundred hikers get to witness in its full fall glory each year. It’s the kind of trail that earns its reputation by making you stop mid-step, heart racing, just to soak it all in.

If you’re craving a true Ontario fall adventure — one that leaves you awe-struck, sweaty, and somehow more grounded than when you started — then don’t wait. Secure your park permit, book your stay, and pack your camera.

Because fall doesn’t last forever. But a memory like this? It just might.