HIKING AROUND NOVA SCOTIA

Community: Glenelg

Region: Eastern

Notes: A peaceful trail through the Archibald Lake Protected Area, home to rare old-growth forests and the headwaters of the St. Mary’s River. It is an excellent spot for birdwatching and exploring a pristine wilderness ecosystem.

Community: Antigonish

Region: Eastern

Notes: A scenic highland park featuring over 6 kilometres of wooded hiking and cross-country ski trails, offering panoramic views of Antigonish Harbour and the surrounding countryside.

Community: Cape George

Region: Eastern

Notes: A massive system of over 30km of trails ranging from easy strolls to rugged climbs. Highlights include the iconic Cape George Point Lighthouse and dramatic cliffs with vistas spanning across St. George's Bay to Cape Breton.

Community: Canso

Region: Eastern

Notes: A scenic coastal hiking trail featuring boardwalks and gravel paths that loop through barrens and salt marshes. The website is a government resource providing trail length and difficulty details.

Community: Liscomb Mills

Region: Eastern

Notes: A picturesque waterfall along the Liscomb River Trail system, reachable via the Prospector Trail loop. It is known for its unique angled drop and is near a famous fish ladder and suspension bridge.

Community: Browns Mountain

Region: Eastern

Notes: A short but rewarding hike located in the Antigonish Highlands. The trail leads through a wooded hollow to a secluded waterfall that is most impressive during the spring melt or after heavy rainfall.

Community: Waternish

Region: Eastern

Notes: A scenic section of the Trans Canada Trail following an old railway bed. The path winds through lush woodlands and offers peaceful views along the St. Mary’s River, making it perfect for a long, flat walk or cycling.

Community: Waternish

Region: Eastern

Notes: A signature landmark on the Guysborough Nature Trail. This memorial bridge provides a beautiful crossing over the St. Mary’s River and serves as a popular photography spot for those exploring the regional rail-trail system.

Community: Beaver Mountain

Region: Eastern

Notes: A former ski hill transformed into a year-round multi-use wilderness park. It features over 40km of professionally maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and bouldering, offering some of the best outdoor recreation facilities in Eastern Nova Scotia.

Community: Liscomb Mills

Region: Eastern

Notes: A highlight of the Eastern Shore, this spot features a thrilling suspension bridge directly over the river. Visitors can observe the fish ladder designed to help Atlantic salmon bypass the falls while enjoying a rugged, tree-lined river walk.

Community: McArras Brook

Region: Eastern

Notes: A rugged hike leading to a secluded waterfall near the Northumberland Strait. This trail offers scenic brook views and a peaceful forest setting, ending at a beautiful cascade tucked away from the main road.

Community: Pomquet

Region: Eastern

Notes: A 6km network consisting of three loops (Le Petit Lac, Coakley’s, and Monks Head) through a diverse Acadian forest. The trails offer interpretive panels on local flora, fauna, and Acadian history, with stunning look-offs over Pomquet Harbour and St. George’s Bay. Parking is available at the Pomquet Fire Hall/Community Centre.

Community: Aspen

Region: Eastern

Notes: A 6.5km multi-use section of the Trans Canada Trail following the abandoned Guysborough Railway corridor. This flat, crusher-dust path connects Aspen to Cameron Lakes, offering a wilderness experience with gentle grades and views of pristine brooks and lakes like Kirk Lake. It is maintained by the St. Mary's Trail Association and is suitable for hiking, cycling, and equestrian use. Expansion plans are underway to extend the trail westward toward the Pictou County line.

Community: Melrose

Region: Eastern

Notes: A scenic 6.2km to 9.9km section of the Trans Canada Trail following the abandoned Guysborough Railway corridor. This specific segment features the impressive McKeen Bridge crossing the St. Mary’s River, where original 1930s rail abutments are still visible alongside the modern structure. The trail passes through a dense tree canopy and along the length of Kirk Lake, offering a secluded wilderness experience with frequent sightings of eagles, deer, and moose. It is well-maintained with a flat dirt and gravel surface.

Community: Aspen

Region: Eastern

Notes: This 108-foot steel bridge is a highlight of the St. Mary’s Nature Trail, spanning the St. Mary’s River. Dedicated to Ellis MacGrath, a founding member of the trail association, the bridge sits on massive concrete abutments originally constructed in the 1930s for the Guysborough Railway. It offers spectacular elevated views of the river's West Branch and is a key link in the Trans Canada Trail system between Aspen and Melrose. The trail surface here is flat, well-packed crusher dust.