TRAIL INFORMATION

The 6th Annual Hike the Highlands Festival - September 11-20, 2009  offers 24-guided hikes with experienced local guides. There are several trails to choose from during the Hike the Highlands Festival. The hikes range from short easy walks to more difficult hikes and terrain. There are nine new hikes and four popular hikes from the past return.

Google Maps on trails and Photo Galleries have been added to each trail to assist you in planning your hikes as well Cape Breton Highlands National Park maps.  Note: The Google maps included on this page are a work in progress and give a rough idea of the trail route. They are not drawn to scale. Some trails have not been completed. The festival is hoping to have all the trails GPS this year or earlier.

Friday, September 11

Middle Head (CBHNP) -5:30 pm
Along this walk there are views on both sides of the path of the mountains and sea and the rocky cliffs. The trail begins near the Keltic Lodge and travels to the tip of Middle Head and back. The Corson's who were befriended by Alexander Graham Bell owned this estate during the early part of the century. This was also the site of a fishing village at the turn of the century. 2 hrs, 4 kms (2.5 mi). The opening ceremonies of the festival begin after this hike.
Difficulty Rating: 2C

Trail head/Starting Point:
Follow the road signs to Keltic Lodge in Ingonish Beach. Proceed past the main lodge to the parking lot . A set of stairs on the left side marks the beginning of the trail.

Middle Head Trail Google Map
Middle Head CBHNP Park Map    (Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission)
Middle Head Photo Gallery  (click on slideshow to view)

Saturday, September 12

White Point to Burnt Head - 10:00 am.  NEW*** (Burnt Head Section)
Walk back in time to an old settlement. Hear stories of ghosts and gold. This trail offers spectacular views of Sugarloaf and North Mountains. 2 hours, 6 kms
Difficulty Rating: 2B

Trail heads/Starting Point:
Drive to Neil’s Harbour and turn right to go onto Alternate Scenic Route Drive. You will pass thru Neil’s Harbour and New Haven communities before coming to White Point. Turn right at White Point and continue to the community. Turn down at the wharf and park your car. Walk up to the Trailhead where the pavements meets the gravel.

White Point/Burnt Head Trail Google Map
White Point Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Coastal - 2:00 pm.  NEW***
This trail hugs the ocean shoreline, where you can feel the ocean spray and listen to sea birds as the waves crash against the rocky shoreline. Experience coastal meadows, granite headlands and cobblestone beaches. Caution: The footing is somewhat difficult on the sections of the trail over the cobblestones. 5.7 km 2-2.5 hrs.  Difficulty Rating - 2D

Trailhead/Starting Point-  The hike will begin at Halfway Brook parking lot. The parking lot is not far from the community of Neil's Harbour. Look for Hike the Highlands Festival sign.

Coastal Trail Google Map
Coastal Trail, CBHNP Map  (Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission)
Coastal Trail Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Sunday, September 13

Meat Cove Mountain - 10:00 am.  RETURNS***
General Trail Description: From the Meat Cove Welcome Center to the trailhead is a short walk back up the road exiting Meat Cove. The trail is a steep steady climb up a valley through small hardwood. Strategically placed ropes help you up (and down) a few particularly steep places. (No crawling necessary.)  The trail then follows the top of an open ridge. To the left one looks up the MC River valley and to the right one looks out over the ocean. There may be a few blueberries left- you'll never find a more dramatic picking site.  There is a rock outcrop that towers over Meat Cove. You can look down at the top of your car. Return in the reverse order. Caution: The trail is steep. It may be slick if the weather is damp. The trail up is protected from wind but the ridge on top is totally exposed. The top may be cool and windy.  Wear layers and good footwear. Be prepared! 3.4 km. 2.5 - 3 hours. Elevation 250 meters. Difficulty Rating: 5C

Trailhead/Starting Point - Hikers are to register at Meat Cove Welcome Centre.

Meat Cove Mountain Trail Google Map
Meat Cove Mountain Photo Gallery (Click on Slideshow to view)

Cape St. Lawrence/Lowland Cove - 10:00 am.   RETURNS***
From the Meat Cove Welcome Center the trail climbs up the old Fraser Road, joins the Lowland Cove Road and continues upward for about 2 km. Looking behind one can catch views of the Cabot Straight and St. Paul Island. As the road crests the top of the cape and begins to descend, we take a trail to the right and drop down to Cape St. Lawrence about another 2 km. On the way down we pass several ponds and catch views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. One can find the old telegraph line that once connected the Cape St. Lawrence to Meat Cove. We'll eat lunch in the shelter of the old lighthouse foundations. Imagine a school and farms that were once here. We then follow the coast to Lowland Cove about 2 km. Most of this section is along the bank overlooking the water. Lowland Cove is another good place to rest (and eat your desert.) Lowland Cove was once the site of seasonal fishing enterprises with a launch way and several farms. The highlight of the hike is Cape St. Lawrence, the walk along the coast, and Lowland Cove. This part of the hike rivals any hiking and any views one can experience on the east coast. The trail out of Lowland Cove is a steep uphill and then a series of ups and downs as the road crosses several streams. We rejoin our incoming trail and continue back to Meat Cove. Caution: The trail is long and hard. The weather conditions may change. Cape St. Lawrence and Lowland Cove may be cool and windy.Take layers and wear good footwear. Be prepared!  10 kms.  5.5 -6 hours.  
Difficulty Rating: 5D

Trailhead/Starting Point - Hikers are to register at Meat Cove Welcome Centre.

Cape St. Lawrence/Lowland Cove Trail Google Map
Cape St. Lawrence/Lowland Cove Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Monday, September 14

NHN Trail - 10:00 am.
A 4 kilometer hike on a cross-country ski trail at North Highlands Nordic (NHN) in Cape North. This is the trail system's easiest trail and it takes you through wooded terrain then along the Dingwall gypsum quarry. NHN is located at the Northern Victoria Community Center in Cape North. Distance 4 km; 1 1/2 hours. Trail Difficulty - 1B

Trail Head/Starting Point: NHN ski room at Northern Victoria Community Centre in Cape North.

NHN Trails Google Map
NHN Photo Gallery

Sugar Loaf Mountain - 1:00 pm.
Climb from near sea level for about 2 km to 1400 feet. The first part of the trail follows an old wood road. Very scenic with views at the top of Aspy Bay, Sugar Loaf mountain and beach reaching to Dingwall and South harbor. Also, view the highlands and Bay St. Lawrence from a look-off. 3-4hrs, 4 kms
Difficulty Rating: 4D

Trail heads/Starting Point:
From Cape North continue straight on the road to Bay St. Lawrence. Drive towards Aspy Bay and Sugarloaf. Follow the signs to the Cabot landing Provincial Park and and approximately 1km past the park look for a sign indicating “Hike the Highlands Festival”.

Sugar Loaf Mountain Trail Google Map
Sugar Loaf Mountain Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Tuesday, September 15

Lone Shieling - 10:00 am.  NEW***
Dominated by 350 year old sugar maple trees, the Grande Anse Valley is one of the largest old growth hardwood forests in the Maritimes. One of the most protected areas of the park, access is restricted to this short trail. A replica of a Scottish crofter's hut is found at the beginning of this short dry trail. Find out why it's here. Keep a watch - moose like it here too. 0.6 km  15-20 minutes. Difficulty rating -1A

Trailhead/Starting point - Lone Shieling Parking Lot.

Lone Shieling Trail Google Map
Lone Shieling Trail - CBHNP Map - (Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission)
Lone Shieling Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

MacIntosh Brook - 10:45 am.  NEW***
Imagine a nice, easy, fairly level stroll along a babbling brook and through a mature hardwood forest with a scenic waterfall at the end. Add to that the songs of forest birds and you have this relaxing trail.
Caution: exposed tree roots.  1.7 km.  45 minutes. Elevation 30-65 meters Difficulty Rating - 1C

Trailhead/Starting point - MacIntosh Brook Picnic Area

MacIntosh Brook Trail Google Map
MacIntosh Brook Trail - CBHNP Map (Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission)
MacIntosh Brook Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Roberts Mountain - 2:00 pm.  NEW***
This is a new guided hike in 2009. Our scouts/guides rave about this trail and the view at the top. The trail follows a 'wood' road up to a communication tower and building. From here the trail is steeper and follows a dirt path through second growth spruce. The next section - the path goes straight up through an exposed clear field to the top of the mountain. The trail is very steep and the footing is loose gravel. CAUTION is required not to slip particularly on the way down. Note that the elevation change is 117 meters over a 350 meter trail. The look off from at the end provides a view to MacIntosh campground (morning hike) on the Cabot Trail and to the community of Red River. The trail is a challenging climb. You get an incredible view of the Gulf and of the Pleasant Bay community. This trail is on private land and we have permission to go on this trail by the landowner Tanya Thompson, owner of Windsweep B&B. We thank her for her support of this festival. Caution: The exposed portion of the trail can be windy and cool. The trail has no switch-backs. It is steep and parts are gravelly and require care not to slip. Dress in layers and wear good hiking boots. 4 kms. 2.5 hours. Elevation 350 meters. Difficulty Rating - 5C

Trailhead/Starting Point - Take the turnoff - going to Red River in Pleasant Bay. approximately 2 kms down the Red River road just past Windswept B&B.

Roberts Mountain Trail Google Map
Roberts Mountain Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Wednesday, September 16

Salmon Pool - 10:00 am.  RETURNS ***
Ideal for a fitness walk or a stroll, this level trail follows the bottom of the Chéticamp river canyon with cliffs almost 400 metres (1300 ft.) high towering above. The First Pool is about 3.6 km up the Chéticamp River. The trail narrows and continues to Chance Pool where polished exposed bedrock makes a great location for a picnic. At the Second Pool the trail narrows to the Third Pool which marks the end of the trail. Watch for Atlantic salmon in the deeper pools. Mountain bikes are permitted, but there are rough sections. Listen for barred owls at dusk. 12.2 km. 3-4 hours.  Difficulty Rating - 2C

Trailhead/Starting Point -Turn off the Cabot Trail where you see Cheticamp Visitor Centre. Go straight towards the compound and go thru the gate. Turn left and go straight to the Salmon Pools parking lot.

Salmon Pool Trail Google Map
Salmon Pool Trail - CBHNP Map - (Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission)
Salmon Pools Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Red River to Otter Brook - 10:00 am.  NEW***
From #1 to #2 the trail is reasonably level and easy. The crossing at Black Brook requires some 'stone stepping.' #2 to #3 is the steep portion of the trail. Once you get to #3 the trail is more or less downhill to Otter Brook. The walk in is more strenuous than the walk out because the climb is steeper. From #1 to #3 the trail is used by four wheelers- it is wide and mostly clear. From #3 to #5 the trail is narrow with rocks and roots to step over and around. From #5 to #6 the trail is through a steep sloping field. 6 km
Difficulty Rating - 3C

Trailhead/Starting Point - Parking, registration, and trailhead: at the end of the Red River Road. Turn off of the Cabot Trail in Pleasant Bay and continue for 9.4 km- over the Red River bridge onto the dirt road, past the Gampo Abbey, to the end of the road. There is an obvious parking area. Do not drive over the bridge with a gate on the far side.

Red River to Otter Brook Trail Google Map
Otter Brook Photo Gallery (Click on Slideshow to view)

Thursday, September 17

Skyline - 9:00 am.
A dramatic headland cliff overlooks the rugged coast from the end of this level trail. You can enjoy an eagle's view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain - vehicles look like toys. Watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the viewing decks. Moose, bald eagles, bears and numerous boreal birds live in this habitat. Be cautious with children around the cliffs and give moose a wide berth. The headland plants are very fragile and easily damaged by trampling, so stay on the boardwalk. Dogs are not permitted here as they disturb wildlife, especially moose and bear. This trail has recently undergone extensive work to protect the environment from the impact of thousands of hikers. Click on this short  video for more information on Skyline Trail.  9.2 km (back loop)  Difficulty Rating 2B-C

Trailhead/Starting point - Looking for Skyline Trail sign around French Mountain. Meet in parking lot.

Skyline Trail Google Map
Skyline Trail, CBHNP Map - Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission
Skyline Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Fishing Cove - 10:00 am.
Steady descent to rugged ocean coastline. Steep Uphill returning. 6 hrs., 12km
Difficulty Rating: 4C

Trail Head/Starting Point: The first Fishing Cove parking lot north of Cheticamp. Second Fishing Cove Parking Lot if you are coming from Cape North

Fishing Cove Trail Google Map
Fishing Cove Trail, CBHNP Map - Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission
Fishing Cove Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Le Chemin du Buttereau - 2:00 pm.    NEW***     

Trailhead/Starting Point - Le Buttereau parking lot.

Le Chemin du Buttereau Google Map
Le Chemin du Buttereau/Le Buttereau Trail , CBHNP Map
    - Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission
Le Chemin du Buttereau Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Friday, September 18

Franey - 9:00 am.
Climb 366 metres in 3 hours. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Clyburn Valley and Middlehead. Hike through mixed woods to a cliff-top look off providing breathtaking views of the Clyburn Valley and the surrounding highlands, extending ridge upon ridge into the distance. You are in the domain of ravens and eagles and they can sometimes be seen below you, soaring among the walls and buttresses of the cliffs. 3-4 hrs, 7.4 kms (4.6mi)    Difficulty Rating: 4C

Trail heads/Starting Point:
Drive north from the Ingonish Beach campground for 1.5 km, past the church and golf course and over the Clyburn bridge. Take the next left at Franey Trail sign. Continue on this road from pavement to a gravel road up the hill for about km to the trailhead & parking lot.

Franey Trail Google Map
Franey Trail, CBHNP Map - (Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission)
Franey Trail Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Freshwater Lake and Lookoff - 10:00 am.  NEW*** (Look-off)
This hike involves two short trails - the first is freshwater lake - a short level trail that features Atlantic Ocean, a lake and beaver pond. The second trail is Freshwater Lake Look-off - a short but very steep! A picturesque vista unfolds before you: Ingonish Beach, Freshwater Lake, Middle Head and Cape Smokey.  2 kms, 1.5 hours  Difficulty Rating: 1B

Trailhead/Starting Point :
Ingonish Beach Day Use parking Lot

Freshwater Lake Google Map
Freshwater Lake & Freshwater Lake Look -off Trails, CBHNP Map
  -Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission
Freshwater Lake Photo Gallery
Freshwater Lake Look-off Photo Gallery

Smokey Towers - 2:00 pm.  NEW***
A new hike this year that provides two great panorama views of the North Shore and of Ingonish. You will hike up an old road to both locations. You will pass a few towers along the way.  3 kms  1-1.5 hours. Difficulty Rating - 2B . This hike will take place directly across the Cape Smokey Provincial Park

Trailhead/Starting Point - Please park your cars in the Cape Smokey Provincial Park. We will walk out from parking lot and cross the Cabot Trail highway and begin the hike.

Smokey Towers Trail Google Map
Smokey Towers Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Saturday, September 19

Guided Wilderness Hike - 9:00 am.
The Guided Wilderness Hike operates from June 1, to October 31, with daily hikes starting at 10:00 am. For the Hike the Highlands Festival, we will only cover one half of the Hike. You will climb a 1000 foot mountain where you will see panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Smokey and Middle Head Peninsula. There is a Hikers Cabin where you can rest. We will then descend down the other side into the Old Growth Forest Pine and Hemlock.  On the way out the Ingonish River Valley, we will visit beautiful water falls on the Peddler Brook, a tributary of the Ingonish River. This Hike is appproximately 8 km long and takes about 4 hours. Difficulty Rating: 4D

Trailhead/Starting Point
Turn down Barron Road at Ingonish Harbour and proceed to almost the end of the road.

Guided Wilderness Hike Photo Gallery

Cyburn Valley - 9:00 am.
Hikers will marvel at the spectacular stands of hardwood trees, boulders bigger than cars, old abandoned beaver ponds, meadows, apple trees and even the remains of an old gold mine! This trail follows the river for most of the way, but you can catch a glimpse of the Highlands Links, Canada’s #1 Public Golf Course, as it weaves its way up this valley. Feel humbled by the sheer rock face of Franey Mountain 425 m (1400 ft.) above.  2.3 hours  8.5 km    Difficulty Rating : 2C

Trailhead/Starting point :
Parking lot past Clyburn Picnic Park & Bridge

Clyburn Valley Trail Google Map
Clyburn Valley Trail - CBHNP Map - Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission
Clyburn Valley Photo Gallery

Broad Cove Mountain - 2:00 pm.
This hike will give you a really good workout. The steep climb up Broad Cove will be well worth the steps as you enjoy the panoramic ocean view. 1.5 hrs, 2.3 km (1.4 miles)  Difficulty Rating: 3C

Trail head/Starting Point:
A small parking lot on your right about 1/3 of the way in on the Warren Lake road.

Broad Cove Mountain Trail Google Map
Broad Cove Mountain Trail - CBHNP Map
 - Copyright Parks Canada 2007, 2008, 2009. Used with permission
Broad Cove Mountain Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Sunday, September 20 

North River Big Falls - 9:00 am.
This hike takes you through forest valleys and canyons of one of the most scenic salmon rivers to the highest waterfall in Nova Scotia. The trail winds through older stands of maple, birch, fir and scattered pine that blanket the steep-sided canyon walls looming overhead. The wilderness trail is narrow and uneven with sections of coarse stone, steep loose-rock slopes and rock outcrops. This is for the hardcore hiker! Two guides will accompany the group. Those who wish to turn back at the halfway point will have that option. Please bring a lunch and lots of snacks. 6-7 hrs, 18 kms
Difficulty Rating: 4D

Trail heads/Starting Point:
Follow the map to North River. Drive past 3.8 kms down the Oregon Road and Follow the signs to the North River Provincial Park. Meet in the parking lot.

North River Big Falls Trail - Trails NS Map
North River Big Falls Photo Gallery  (Click on Slideshow to view)

Red Island - 10:00 am.   RETURNS***
This hike passes by three bodies of water - Barrachois River, Atlantic Ocean and MacDonald's Pond.   There are lots of look-off spots along the way and you can see St. Ann's Mountain in the foreground along with Cape Dauphin and Bird Islands. Lots of interesting history about MacDonald's pond and Red Island. MacDonald's Pond was a harbour for fishing boats when it was open to the ocean. 4km
1.5 hrs - 2hours. Difficulty Rating - 3C

Traihead/Starting Point - Look for the Red Island Hiking Trail sign close to the St. Ann's Bay Church before the Barrachois turn-off. The Red Island hiking trail starts at the Traihead sign.

Red Island Trail Google Map
Red Island Photo Gallery