La Cloche Silhouette Trail

La Cloche Silhouette Trail is a long backcountry hiking loop in Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, built around repeated crossings of quartzite ridges and remote lake country. The route is typically done as a multi-day backpacking trip rather than a single push, with moving time commonly spread over several days.

The loop distance mapped for this route is about 72 km, with the broader commonly cited full loop distance around 78 km. Plan on roughly 5–7 days of hiking for the typical pace, with a strenuous grade driven by steep, rocky travel and frequent slow sections.

Expect the terrain to stay rough: white quartzite ridges, steep climbs, and scrambling/technical footing sections show up repeatedly along the loop. One of the route’s signature challenges is “The Crack,” a steep, boulder-strewn canyon section that’s often singled out as the most memorable obstacle.

Season and duration are tightly linked to route logistics. Backcountry camping is by designated campsites only around the loop, and reservations are required; backcountry permits are secured in advance through the Ontario Parks reservation system.

Camping is distributed along the loop at multiple numbered sites (for example H5, H20, H33, H38), which is how most parties pace their daily mileages. The trail is designed so you can plan an itinerary around campsite-to-campsite days rather than relying on walk-up options.

Direction of travel commonly matters for how you experience the steepest obstacles: many groups hike clockwise so that the slippery waterfall section is climbed earlier in the loop, and “The Crack” is encountered near the end. Campsite amenities are basic, with pit toilets posted at campsites (and you should bring toilet paper/hand sanitizer).

More information: Hike La Cloche Silhouette Trail | Blog - Tim and Victoria, La Cloche Silhouette Trail - A Complete Guide | Hike Bike Travel, La Cloche Silhouette Trail - Cairns and Cócteles (and Frances)