Robertsons Cliffs | backcountryadventure

Robertson's Cliffs

TRAIL SPECS:

Trail distance to Lookout (quick route):1km

Total distance (Ila's Loop): 5km

Total trail time: 2.5 Hours

Total lookout elevation: TBA

Total trail elevation: TBA

Trail Rating: INTERMEDIATE

Just a 20-30 minute drive North of Sault Ste. Marie, the turn off of the highway was clearly marked, as was the second turn (make a right at Old Highway 17 N, and follow the road until you make another right at Robertson Lake Rd). We followed the road in for about 10 minutes. It became a dirt road with some washboard sections but overall it was an easy drive. We parked by the first sign which read "Robertson Cliffs Trailhead 1km East". This is the entrance to the steeper climb and was a harder trail to follow.

We lost the trail once on the way up (due to fallen leaves that covered the trail) but it was easy to find once again. Just stay close to the rock face and you should be fine.

It was a very steep climb with a few loose rocks, but the hike was not overly difficult, just somewhat exhausting. Thankfully there were scattered, small plateaus where we were able to grab a drink and catch our breath.

Shortly after the trail leveled off, it joined up with the Voyageur Trail. Shortly after that we came out to the first lookout. The view of the colourful leaves over the hills and valleys was amazing. Looking West, we could see Lake Superior.

We continued on to the second lookout. Hiking along the Voyageur trail was much easier, but we decided to climb up a short cut through some large mossy rocks to keep things interesting. The second lookout was quite a bit higher than the first and the clearing was wider for a more panoramic view.

We took the Voyageur Trail back down rather than completing the loop to see the waterfalls (Ila's Loop) due to time constraints, but we will finish it at a later date. The Voyageur Trail was much less steep, but quite a bit muddier than the other trail. Assorted rocks, valleys and trees kept the trail interesting. We came out at the main parking area (a couple km's up the road from where we had originally parked).

On the South side of the road was a trail leading down to some gorgeous waterfalls. It was a short trail to a steep, muddy climb down, but it was worth it.

The hike itself took about 2.5 hours with lots of time for taking pictures and enjoying the scenery. Be sure to wear proper shoes for this hike.

A section of Robertson Lake Road. The colours along this drive in were breathtaking.	The first entrance (and more challenging route) to the cliffs. If you would like a more gradually inclining hike to the cliffs, continue along the road for another couple of km's for the other access point.	An example of the trail on the way up the hike. There are a lot of rocky sections and fallen trees to climb over. Some sections are extremely steep.
The view from the first lookout and the iconic cliffs. Such an breathtaking view.	Another viewpoint from the first lookout. I can never get enough pictures to capture the beauty here.	The view looking east from the first lookout.
If you look closely, you can see all of the windmills built up in the Sault's surrounding areas.	The waterfall across the road from the the second trail access point.	A close view of the waterfalls. There is a second set of waterfalls along the hiking trail loop but these falls are apparently much larger. We will be checking out the second set of falls on another day.

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ADVENTURES

Robertson's Cliffs

A section of Robertson Lake Road. The colours along this drive in were breathtaking.

The first entrance (and more challenging route) to the cliffs. If you would like a more gradually inclining hike to the cliffs, continue along the road for another couple of km's for the other access point.

An example of the trail on the way up the hike. There are a lot of rocky sections and fallen trees to climb over. Some sections are extremely steep.

The view from the first lookout and the iconic cliffs. Such an breathtaking view.

Another viewpoint from the first lookout. I can never get enough pictures to capture the beauty here.

The view looking east from the first lookout.

If you look closely, you can see all of the windmills built up in the Sault's surrounding areas.

The waterfall across the road from the the second trail access point.

A close view of the waterfalls. There is a second set of waterfalls along the hiking trail loop but these falls are apparently much larger. We will be checking out the second set of falls on another day.