10 Trails Worth the Drive From Taboo Muskoka
Quick answer: The best hiking trails near Taboo Muskoka Resort (1209 Muskoka Beach Rd, Gravenhurst, ON) are almost all within a 5–30 minute drive, ranging from easy in-town forest walks like the Chamberlin Trail to iconic lookouts like Huckleberry Rock and Torrance Barrens. Below are the top 10 trails closest to the resort, ordered roughly by proximity, with distance, difficulty, length, and what makes each one worth the drive.
Taboo Muskoka Resort sits right on Lake Muskoka in Gravenhurst, and some of the region's best hiking is just minutes away. Muskoka's trail network is shaped by the Canadian Shield: expect exposed granite outcrops, hardwood and mixed forest, rocky lookouts, and the odd waterfall carved by the Muskoka River. Most trails here are unpaved, can be uneven underfoot, and range from flat, family-friendly walks to short, steep scrambles up bare rock. Guests don't even need to leave the property to get started: Taboo Muskoka has its own trail system on-site, right through the resort's forest grounds. Whether you want a walk on our own trails, a 20-minute drive to a forest loop before breakfast, or a half-day trek to a granite lookout over the lake, here's your guide to hiking in and around Taboo Muskoka this summer.
Start with our own trails
Before you even get in the car, explore Taboo Muskoka's own trail system, winding through the resort's forest grounds. It's the easiest way to fit in a walk before breakfast, with no driving required. No car, no schedule to plan around — just step outside and go. Ask the front desk for a property trail map when you check in.
Best for a quick pre-breakfast walk: Taboo's own trail system, or the Chamberlin Trail / Peninsula Trail nearby
Best for lake views: Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
Best for families with young kids: Peninsula Trail or High Falls Trail
Best for a longer half-day hike: Hardy Lake Provincial Park Loop
Best for stargazing after your hike: Torrance Barrens Main Trail
Best for waterfalls: Wilsons Falls Trail and High Falls Trail (easy to combine in one trip)
1. Chamberlin Trail
Gravenhurst | ~5–8 min from Taboo | Easy | 4.2 km The closest trail to the resort, winding through hardwood forest, open meadow, and rocky cuts between downtown Gravenhurst and quiet residential streets. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it a good option before breakfast or as a way to stretch your legs after a long drive in. Parking is available at the Chamberlain Drive trailhead, and the trail is popular with local dog walkers and runners, so expect some company on weekends.
2. Peninsula Trail
Gravenhurst (Muskoka Wharf) | ~10 min from Taboo | Easy | 0.8 km A short lakeside walk near the historic Muskoka Wharf, Gravenhurst's restored steamship and heritage district. At under a kilometre, it's the shortest trail on this list and works well as a warm-up walk or a stroll after dinner. Pair it with a coffee, ice cream, or dinner downtown, or a stop to see the RMS Segwun steamship, for an easy half-day outing that doesn't require much hiking gear.
3. Devil's Gap Trail
Gravenhurst | ~10 min from Taboo | Moderate | 4.3 km A rockier, more varied route through Gravenhurst's backcountry, with enough elevation change to make it feel more remote than its short drive from town suggests. Expect exposed rock sections and some uneven footing, so trail runners or hiking shoes with good grip are worth packing. Quieter than the in-town trails, it's a solid option if you want a bit more of a workout without venturing far from the resort.
4. Kahshe Barrens Trail
Gravenhurst | ~10–15 min from Taboo | Moderate | 4.8 km Exposed granite barrens landscape similar to the more famous Torrance Barrens, but closer to the resort - a good alternative if you're short on time but still want that classic Canadian Shield scenery of open rock, low scrub, and scattered pine. Bring sun protection, since much of the trail crosses open rock with little tree cover.
5. Old Stone Road Trail
Gravenhurst | ~15 min from Taboo | Moderate | 4.9 km A forested trail near Muldrew Lake with a good mix of terrain: shaded hardwood forest, some rock, and a few gentle climbs. It's quieter and less trafficked than the more popular Muskoka Lakes trails, making it a good choice if you'd rather avoid crowds. Cell service can be patchy in this area, so it's worth telling someone your plans before heading out.
6. Wilsons Falls Trail
Bracebridge | ~15–20 min from Taboo | Easy | 3.6 km A scenic, easy walk along the Muskoka River to a picturesque waterfall, one of the most accessible falls in the district. The path is well-groomed and suitable for most fitness levels, with viewing areas near the falls that are popular for photos. There's a small parking area at the trailhead that can fill up on summer weekends, so an early start helps.
7. High Falls Trail
Bracebridge | ~15–20 min from Taboo | Easy | Short walk A quick trail to a viewing platform overlooking High Falls on the Muskoka River, right near downtown Bracebridge. Because it's so short, it's an easy one to pair with Wilsons Falls in the same afternoon, and it's a good choice if you have young kids or limited time. Downtown Bracebridge, with its shops and restaurants along the river, is a short walk or drive from the falls if you want to extend the outing.
8. Torrance Barrens Main Trail
Torrance, Muskoka Lakes | ~20–25 min from Taboo | Easy | 3.5 km Part of the world's first permanent Dark Sky Preserve, established in 1999, this is a flat, easy walk through exposed bedrock landscape dotted with wind-swept pine and juniper. By day it's a gentle hike with interpretive signage about the area's geology; after dark, with no artificial lighting for miles, it's one of the best stargazing spots in Ontario. If you plan to stay for sunset or stars, bring a flashlight or headlamp for the walk back.
9. Hardy Lake Provincial Park Loop
Muskoka Lakes | ~20–25 min from Taboo | Moderate | 8 km A quieter, less-crowded provincial park loop with forest, rocky outcrops, and lake views throughout. At 8 km, it's the longest trail on this list and a good option if you want a genuine half-day hike rather than a short stroll. Bring water and a snack, and plan for two to three hours depending on your pace and how many lookout points you stop at.
10. Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail
Milford Bay, Muskoka Lakes | ~25–30 min from Taboo | Easy-Moderate | 2.5 km Worth the extra drive: a short but somewhat steep climb to one of the most photographed views in Muskoka, a sweeping panorama over Lake Muskoka from an exposed granite lookout. It's a popular spot for sunset photography, so expect other hikers at peak times in summer. The final approach to the lookout involves some scrambling over open rock, so it's better suited to hikers comfortable with uneven terrain than to strollers or very young children.
Plan your hike from Taboo Muskoka
Pick up a trail map at the front desk, and ask our team for current trail conditions before heading out, since conditions and access can change seasonally. Most of these trails are unpaved and best tackled in sturdy shoes or hiking boots; several cross exposed granite that can be slippery when wet. Cell coverage thins out on the Gravenhurst backcountry trails (Devil's Gap, Old Stone Road, Kahshe Barrens), so let someone know your route if you're heading out solo. Book your stay at Taboo Muskoka to make these trails part of your next Muskoka getaway.
Tip: trails get busy on summer weekends — an early morning or evening start gets you the views without the crowds. Always carry water and bug spray, wear sun protection on the exposed barrens trails, and check trail websites for current conditions before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest hiking trail to Taboo Muskoka Resort? The Chamberlin Trail in Gravenhurst is the closest, roughly 5–8 minutes from the resort, offering an easy 4.2 km walk through forest and meadow.
Are there hiking trails within walking distance of Taboo Muskoka? Yes — Taboo Muskoka has its own on-property trail system through the resort's forest and shoreline grounds, so guests can walk without leaving the property. The nearest off-property public trails (like Chamberlin Trail and Peninsula Trail) are a short drive rather than a walk.
What is the best hiking trail near Taboo Muskoka for lake views? Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail, about 25–30 minutes away in Milford Bay, offers one of the most iconic panoramic views of Lake Muskoka in the region, though the final approach involves some scrambling over open rock.
Is Torrance Barrens near Taboo Muskoka good for stargazing? Yes — Torrance Barrens, about 20–25 minutes from the resort, is a Dark Sky Preserve and one of the best stargazing spots in Ontario, in addition to being an easy daytime hike.
Do I need a car to reach these trails from Taboo Muskoka? Yes, all ten trails require driving from the resort; none are within walking distance, though several (Chamberlin, Peninsula, Devil's Gap, Kahshe Barrens, Old Stone Road) are under 15 minutes away.
Which trails near Taboo Muskoka are good for young kids or beginners? Peninsula Trail (0.8 km) and High Falls Trail are the shortest and flattest options, both easy for families. Chamberlin Trail and Wilsons Falls Trail are also beginner-friendly, though slightly longer.
What should I pack for hiking near Taboo Muskoka? Sturdy shoes or hiking boots (many trails cross exposed granite that gets slippery when wet), water, bug spray, sun protection for the barrens trails, and a fully charged phone, since cell service is limited on some Gravenhurst backcountry routes.