Rock Dunder, One of Ontario's Most Beautiful Lookouts

Rock Dunder is home to one of the most stunning scenic lookout points in Ontario. Situated within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this is one of the highest viewpoints in Southeastern Ontario with incredible panoramic vistas that I know you'll adore.

I visited Rock Dunder in the summertime where shades of green and blue extended to the horizon. In the fall, the green leaves turns to vibrant oranges, reds and yellows. This is one of the best places to go hiking in the autumn season. It's gorgeous!

Rock Dunder Map

Here is a map of Rock Dunder to reference ahead of time. These maps are posted along the trail, too. This is a really easy trail to follow that also happens to be very well marked. You won't get lost when you go hiking here. Follow the trail markers and the well worn path, and you'll be just fine!

There are two loop trails at Rock Dunder: the Summit Loop (2.84km) and the Morton Bay Loop (1.31km). There is another out and back trail, the Scout Cabin Trail (1.55km) that forms part of the Summit Loop. I hiked on the Summit Loop (including a section of the Scout Cabin Trail), which forms a trail that's 3.75km long.

Hiking at Rock Dunder Nature Reserve

From the parking lot, there is a small restroom not too far on the trail, which are the only facilities in Rock Dunder Nature Reserve. Not too far on this path, I reached a fork in the trail. There is a map and ample signage for both trails, the Summit Loop Trail to the left and the Morton Bay Loop to the right. I continued my walk on the Summit Loop Trail.

This section of the hike has a steady incline, though it's nothing too strenuous. I walked across some little boardwalks and through the forest. Follow the blue trail blazes. Portions of the trail venture across the large, flat rocks of the Canadian Shield. I even spotted some wild turkeys on the way (sorry, I wasn't able to snap any photos in time!).

There is one little scenic viewpoint with a bench overlooking a picturesque marsh. Stop for a rest or a water break if you'd like. However, the main viewpoint is still to come...

Reaching the Summit

At about the halfway mark, it's time to admire the main event. The scenic viewpoint at Rock Dunder is one of the most beautiful in Ontario. Rock Dunder's lookout sits 275 feet above Morton Bay with breathtaking views of the nearby lakes and forests. There were trees as far as I could see.

Stay and soak up the surroundings for a while. Sit on the flat rocks and have a picnic (take out any trash that you bring in!). Be careful on the rocks as there is a steep drop around the edges and there aren't any fences.

Summit Loop Trail to Scout Cabin Trail

After I had fully absorbed the views, I continued on my walk around the Summit Loop Trail. It connects to the Scout Cabin Trail. This nature reserve used to be owned by Scouts Canada before it was purchased by the Rideau Waterway Land Trust. As the scouts used to camp here, there are old log cabins. I spotted one of these little wooden huts on the Scout Cabin Trail on my way back to the parking lot.

There is an opportunity to add the Morton Bay Loop onto your hike on your way back to the parking lot, should you wish to do so. It only adds another 1.3km and there are more scenic views of Morton Bay from down below (none quite like the one you'll see from the Summit Loop Trail, however).

Plan Your Visit to Rock Dunder

Rock Dunder is a fabulous hike that's great for solo hikers, couples and families alike. You are required to purchase a pass to visit Rock Dunder. Purchase a day pass ahead of time on their website, especially if visiting during the weekends in the fall when it's super popular to avoid disappointment. During less busy times, you should have no problem buying a pass right at the front gate upon arrival.

Rock Dunder is open seasonally from May 15th to November 15th from sunrise to sunset. Please do not visit outside of these dates/times as that's considered to be trespassing. Season passes are also available at a discounted rate if you're local and want to hike here on several occasions in a year.

There are public restrooms at Rock Dunder near the trailhead. Those are the only facilities on the trail, plan accordingly. Dogs are welcome at Rock Dunder, but please keep them on a leash. Drones are prohibited at Rock Dunder and any RWLT property. Please do not fly your drone here as to maintain the peacefulness of the property and to not bother birds and wildlife.

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