hawk lake log chute

Such an amazing site to see. Fast running water in an old wood chute used to transport logs. Such a shame there are not more of these around.

The Big Hawk Pioneer Log Chute is a very beautiful spot. Water rushing through the chute with a backdrop of gorgeous stone in the gorge. Reading the history of the chute it is amazing to realize what actually took place here while logging. Great spot for pictures and fishing on the calm side of the dam seems to be good. We watched a girl drop her line in (minnow as bait) and within a minute she had a two pound large mouth bass on her line. Although we did not partake, there are some nice walking trails alongside the water. Great place for a picnic lunch.

The chute and park is a great stop in a day. Consider it en route to the Dorset Lookout Tower where spectacular views will fill up the rest of the family album.For photos, the best time of day to visit the chute is mid-day because that's when the sun is on the chute itself. But it's a pretty site anytime. For the best rushing water, visit in springtime when the winter thaw is on. By August there may not be any water in the chute itself even though there will be water beneath the chute in the riverbed.Plan a picnic. Take a walk. Bring your painting gear. Fish on the upside of the dam. Hike the Log Chute trail across the dam. Fido is welcome but please clean up. The best thing about the chute is just being there. Listen ... breathe ... imagine the call of the loggers running logs in the 1870s. In summer, watch little birds flit in and out of the vines hanging on the rock wall. Washroom - yes (vault privvy or glorified outhouse)Cell service - depends on your carrier and if you hold your tongue correctly Entry fee - noAccessible - motorized wheelchair - mmmmm, maybe; holding Grandma's arm - yes; but anyone can get to the top of the dam to look over the whole site.Kid-friendly - for sure, but be a parent: it's a giant wooden structure in a seriously rocky riverbed with really, really fast water.If you have older folk or littl'uns you can park at the top of the site instead of in the parking lot which is a short walk away - just make sure you pull off the road and leave room for others. The interpretive kiosk has 8 well-done panels that show-and-tell about the area, geology, logging terminology, the history of the chute and the dam, and more. The site is open three seasons. Snow prevents anything other than looking at the chute from the top of the dam but it sure is pretty in the winter time! While some folks will climb the snow fence and venture down to the bottom, you should resist doing so. There's sketchy cell service there so if you need help, you may have trouble summoning it. Please don't throw things in the chute - trust me, the water's FAST.DO NOT climb down into the riverbed - think that idea through for a minute ( and see parenting note above...).If you think kayaking or body-surfing the chute would be "fun", you're an idiot. Yes, it's been done by extremely experienced paddlers who are familiar with the layout, but the rock wall you can't see at the bottom of the chute should be a dandy deterrent for the average thrill-seeker.The restoration of the Hawk Lake Log Chute was a labour of love, partially funded by two levels of government and strongly supported by the community. It took six years of volunteer work by folks at the nearby Stanhope Museum, owned and operated by the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The new park opened in 2005.

The last remaining log chute in Ontario, restored to its historic accuracy. Trails and self-tour guides complete the experience.

It was great to see a piece of history preserved and to learn more about the logging industry. It is very scenic.

One gets a really strong sense of the tough life for the people that operated the chute had, Read the information.

The log chute is pretty cool-looking, but I feel the bigger attraction is the walking trail on he other side of the river! Go across the bridge that overlooks the chute, and begin a very scenic hike up the hill through amazing forests with great views! The walk is quite challenging though- not that you need rock climbing gear or anything, but expect a little light climbing and few narrow passages!

Great place to have your picnic and see one of the local sights

This is a nice roadside stop in the Haliburton area.. but a good piece of Canadiana. The area is very attractive in both fall and in spring when melt-waters are really high. We enjoyed a stroll along the banks.