Centennial Ridges Trail

Centennial Ridges Trail is a loop hike in Algonquin Provincial Park (Ontario) built around two parallel ridge systems, taking you up onto the Canadian Shield for repeated cliffside viewpoints.

Mapped at about 10.41 km and curated here as a loop (hike_type: loop), the route’s distance sits in the ~10–12 km range depending on the exact start/variation used on the ground.

Terrain is the point: the route is described as steep and rugged, with substantial elevation change (reported around 450 m) and sections that demand careful footing on rocky ground and slick roots.

Plan on a strenuous day: typical completion estimates put it in the 4–6 hour window for many hikers.

High-value targets on the route are multiple cliff viewpoints along the ridges; many hikers treat the trail as their best effort for skyline overlooks and ridge traverses rather than for gentler forest walking.

For direction, a common strategy is counter-clockwise so the steepest climbing happens earlier, while saving later ridge sections for the way back.

If you’re lining up logistics at the park level, the route sits off Highway 60 near kilometre 37.6, and the park area requires an Ontario Parks daily vehicle permit for access by car.

The trail was opened for the park’s centennial celebrations in 1993, which is part of why it’s categorized and promoted as one of Algonquin’s hallmark hikes.

More information: Centennial Ridges Trail | Stunning Views of Algonquin Park, Centennial Ridges Trail - Algonquin Accommodations, Centennial ridges never misses : r/algonquinpark - Reddit