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Autumn in Algonquin Park
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
I have been to Algonquin many times in early summer, but only twice in the fall. The first fall trip was in 1998. That year the weather was perfect – sunny and warm, and the colours were at their peak. I stayed in a motel in Huntsville for three nights, and spent the days hiking the trails along highway 60.
There are many trails to choose from, varying in length and difficulty, and each with a different theme. Some are good for birdwatching, while others for the scenery. My favourite is the Mizzy Lake Trail at the Arrowhon Road. This trail is 11 km in length, and goes through a variety of habitats, visiting nine small lakes. It usually takes me 4.5 hours to complete, but one can spend the better part of a day enjoying the trail. It is the best trail for seeing a variety of birds and other wildlife.
I usually see moose at some point, sometimes up very close. Different birds can be seen, such as Gray Jays (see attached photo), Boreal Chickadees, various warblers, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and ducks. The Gray Jays can be quite approachable, as I found out during the 1998 trip. They were along the old railway bed. Flocks of White-winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins are possible in the fall.
Many of the trails follow part of the old railway that used to run through the park. The Track and Tower Trail is the best example. It is about 7 km in length and goes mostly through deciduous forest. An optional side trail goes to the top of a bluff, where an old
fire tower was once located. You can get a wonderful view of Cache Lake from here (see attached photo). I have also seen moose on this trail. It is not known as a birding trail, but I remember seeing a Fox Sparrow on September 30, 1998, tying the record early migration date for that species.
About half way around this trail, one can choose to head east about 5 km along the old railway bed to the Two Rivers Airfield (abandoned in early 1970's). This is a large open area beside Mew Lake Campground, now starting to grow in. It is an interesting place for birding. Many rarities have shown up here (Smith's Longspur, Say's Phoebe, Lark Sparrow). Because of the open space, several birds occur here that are hard to find elsewhere in the park.
I first visited this spot in September 2001, while I was staying at a friend's place just west of the park. The whole two days I spent there were drizzly, but I did see some good birds. We found a single Bohemian Waxwing in the old airfield on September 26. This was significant because this species is quite uncommon, only seen in winter. It was record early by almost two months! (I was here again this year in early summer, camping at Mew Lake. I could walk from the campsite).
For a more demanding hike and breathtaking scenery, one can try the Centennial Ridges Trail at km 37.6 from the west gate. It is 10 km in length, but takes some time because you are climbing onto bluffs, which are located on two parallel ridge systems. There are four main lookout points. It is not a birding trail, but if you want long-distance views of the fall colours, this is the one to take. You can get a good workout doing this trail.
Don't forget to stop at the Visitor Centre towards the east end of the park. There are excellent displays, and a very good book store. It also has a cafeteria, and an outdoor balcony overlooking a bog to the west. The view can be excellent, especially in the fall.
