Toronto 
Climb an elevation of 100m and reach the top of the picturesque Mazinaw Rock when you hike Cliff Top Trail at Bon Echo Provincial Park.
The Cliff Top Trail, nestled in Bon Echo Park, offers a scenic viewing experience for nature enthusiasts who visit the park. The trail is accessible solely by water, and adventure seekers can either paddle their canoes or kayaks from the boat launch or opt for the convenience of the park’s ferry.
Boat Dock at the Trailhead
The boat dock marks the trailhead.
Despite the absence of trail markers, navigating the 1.5 km path which traverses the edge of Mazinaw Rock is straightforward, courtesy of well-trodden paths and numbered signs leading up to #9, the final lookout.
From a distance perspective, you will be hiking from the boat dock at the start of the trail to the lookout, almost directly across the main Friends of Bon Echo Boat Dock near Greystones Gift Shoppe and Café.
Boat Dock From Top of Mazinaw Lake
The Hike
As you hike, a combination of metal-grate stairs, intertwined tree roots, and boulders form the primary path.
While the stairs promise stability, their elevation can be daunting for those wary of heights.
The trail, with its consistent incline, challenges hikers with minimal flat stretches. However, the rewards are worth the effort.
An old staircase (no longer in use)
A series of staircases (about three separate sets) and short hikes introduce you to three separate designated lookouts.
After the first lookout, the path meanders through the forest on naturally rooted steps, leading to the second viewing spot (#6).
Second lookout
After the second designated lookout (#6), another hike (almost as long as the one until the second lookout) through the forest leads you to two platforms along the clifftop (#9), presenting panoramic views of the Narrows and Upper and Lower Mazinaw Lakes.
While the vistas are tempting, remember to stick to the marked trails for your safety and the preservation of the park’s beauty.
Trip Planning — Cliff Top Trail – Bon Echo Provincial Park
The Cliff Top Trail stretches 1.5 km and is usually finished in about an hour, presenting a range of moderate to challenging sections. The only way to access this trail is by crossing the water.
You can take the Friends of Bon Eco ferry service, or canoes and kayaks can be rented at the Bon Echo Paddle Centre Office in the Lagoon, near Main Beach.
Upon reaching the trailhead, hikers can climb to the top of Mazinaw Rock via the trail. Along the trail, designated lookout platforms await (#6, #9), each offering a unique perspective over the serene surroundings.
There is a portable toilet immediately after the first set of stairs.
How Much: Ontario Parks Admission Fee – $18 per vehicle.
Adults Ages 13+: $15
Children Ages 2-12: $15
Where: Bon Echo Provincial Park is located north of Kaladar, approximately 6 kilometres north of Cloyne.
Bon Echo Provincial Park is about 2 2-hour drive from Ottawa and 3 hours from Toronto.
