Leaf Lake XC ski trail is the kind of experience that makes you forget about downhill skiing. Even if the parking lot at Leaf Lake is full, the trail is so expansive that you will still find your slice wilderness along the way. The warm-up cabins along the way are a fantastic way to take an energizing rest. These photos chronicle 4 trips to Leaf Lake between 2016-2019.
In particular, these photos show the famous “Pinetree Loop,” a 13.2km exhilarating ski. Pinetree loop is physically demanding, but unbelievably rewarding. The trail has some kind of exciting feature every 15 minutes. Whether it’s a downhill slope, an uphill climb, a stunning lookout, or an adorable warm-up cabin to take a break in, the Pinetree loop is a fantastic day outing. The trail design is almost flawless. And of course, the Algonquin scenery is unbeatable.
I would budget between 5-6 hours to complete the Pinetree loop at Leaf Lake comfortably. I have finished the loop in 3-4 hours, but of course, how can you rush when it’s so gosh-darn beautiful?
Need XC skis? Bongopix Outfitting can help you out!
More info on Leaf Lake at the Friends of Algonquin website.