Route: Algonquin Highland Backpacking Trail (ON, Canada)

Highland Backpacking Trail is an overnight backpacking trail with loops of 19 and 35 km in length. The challenging trail can be accessed from the Highland Backpacking Trailhead near the Mew Lake Campground.

www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/highland-backpacking-trail.php

www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=383439

Regional Editor Update (Sept, 2026)

This is an updated version of the previous Highland Backpacking Trail route. The new route now requires an approximately 5 km total detour, affecting both the Small Loop and Big Loop. The Friends of Algonquin Park website and park staff have confirmed that this is a permanent detour, with no plans to repair the bridge on the previous route.

Going forward, all FKT attempts must follow the updated route. Please do not submit an FKT using the previous route variations.

Previous FKTs completed on the original route variations will continue to be recognized and respected as part of the history of this route. While the permanent detour adds distance and means that future times may not be directly comparable to those established on the previous variations, this change should not diminish the significance of the fast times achieved on the original routes. Future performances will be considered with appropriate context and respect for the FKTs established before the permanent route change.

Route website: https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/highland-backpacking-trail.php