Carpenter Lake Cabins maintains two major hiking trails in the rugged wilderness of the Algoma Highlands. These include the Carpenter Lake trail and the Thessalon River trail, both of which are regularly cleared of brush and are well marked.

The Carpenter Lake trail traces a circular route for a distance of about 5 km around Carpenter Lake and affords spectacular vistas from high bluffs on the granite escarpment at the north side of the lake. The trail leads through old-growth white pine forests and past scenic Mountain Lake.

The Thessalon River trail extends 5 km northeast of Carpenter Lake along the banks of the Thessalon River. Hikers are treated to a panorama including white-water rapids and tranquil little Chute Lake. Two major sets of falls occur along this section of river and are the highlight of the trip. Hikers can pause to fish for brook trout in pools along the river or explore old dams and chutes left by loggers in the early river-driving days.

The hiking trails are a "must do" for visitors to the Carpenter Lake area. Free brochures and maps are available for each of the trails.