Trail Overview
Loon Lake Road is a scenic, beginner-friendly 7-mile route that serves as the primary access to the stunning turquoise waters of Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park. Ideal for stock sports utility vehicles, four-wheel-drive rigs, and SxSs, this unpaved route winds through rolling, pine-dotted hills with elevations ranging from 3,300 to over 4,025 feet. While the road is heavily traveled and technically rated a 3 out of 10, drivers should expect extensive washboarding and bumpy, ungraded sections that require a moderate pace. Along the way, several unmaintained spur trails branch off, offering mild offroad exploration for those looking to test their vehicles.
The ultimate reward of this drive is reaching the crystal-clear lakes of Kentucky and Alleyne, which are famous for their vibrant blue-green hues and excellent trout fishing. Campsites are generously spaced throughout the provincial park, making this a perfect weekend basecamp for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. The trail begins directly off Highway 97C at the Loon Lake rest stop, providing straightforward access for vehicles of almost any size. Because of winter snowpack at these higher elevations, the best time to explore the route is from late spring through autumn when the campgrounds are fully operational and the roads are clear.