18k Day in Algonquin Highlands: Log Chute, Crest of Kennisis, Circuit of 5 Views

Day trip to Algonquin Highlands, about 2.5 hours north-northeast of Pickering; approximate 18 km hike with many scenic viewpoints. There will be hills!

(Photo credit: Gerald Lau on Flickr, https://flic.kr/p/XC9Frf ... license - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/)

General plan: Hike 6 km on the Crests of Kennisis to reach the Circuit of 5 Viewpoints, a 5 km loop; Hike the loop and eat lunch somewhere scenic; return 6 km along Crests of Kennisis; finally do the short Log Chute trail loop near the parking lot.

https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/hiking-trails.php
NOTE: I checked with Algonquin Highlands Parks & Rec about potential ice conditions. They said: "Winter has melted away. There may be the odd patch down in low lying areas and expect soft soil conditions but there is no ice. Enjoy."

I've never been to these trails, but there's a lot of info online and I'm continuing to do my usual pre-hike research. Make sure you're comfortable with that before signing up.

It could be sunny, but I would not count on warm temperatures. Still, if it does warm up, there might be some wonderful flying insects that want to suck your blood. Know how to take care of yourself and bring appropriate supplies (water/purification, sunscreen, hat, netting, repellent, snacks, lunch, etc).

Meet at the Hawk Lake Log Chute parking area at about 10 AM.

Address: 1584 Big Hawk Road in the town of Halls Lake – From Highway 35 North head east on Little Hawk Lake Road then turn north onto Big Hawk Road and proceed to the trailhead.

Carpool list - https://justpaste.it/edit/28405794/0ade369274a3bb72
(Add/update your info: make any changes you like, but lets try to even things out between the drivers and make it so nobody has to backtrack west to pick up anyone)

More details to follow, as needed.