Cross Country Skiing 2010

Cape Breton Highlands National Park has 7 groomed trails in four different areas:  

- Black Brook,
- Warren Lake,
- Broad Cove and;
- Clyburn River Valley.  

Skiers should be advised that weather is very changeable especially at higher elevations.  National Park Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing.    The groomer operator works 5 days a week and is off on Monday and Tuesday.

A Park Entry permit is required to ski on any groomed trail in the Park.  Annual Permits include cross country skiing.

Daily rate is $7.80 per adult, family rate is $19.60, with $6.80 per senior.  

 For Snow and Trail conditions call (902) 285‑2549. This recorded information is updated daily by the groomer operator ‑usually by 4:00 pm- once grooming has begun for the season.

Trail Name:Black Brook  Length .75km
Trailhead Location:  Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Type of Trail: Groomed, Tracked and Renovated
Ability‑rating:  3 beginner,
Special Attractions: Scenic views of the Black Brook River canyon
Services: There is a warming hut and waxing hut, both with electricity and wood stoves, and pit privies at the main trailhead at Black Brook.

Trail Name: Cove Look Out Trail      Length 1.5 km
Trailhead Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Type of Trail: Groomed, Tracked and Renovated
Ability‑rating: 2 intermediate
Services: Same trailhead at Black Brook

Trail Name:  Otter Run    Length 3.0 km
Trailhead Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Type of Trail: Groomed, Tracked and Renovated
Ability‑rating : 2 intermediate
Special Attractions: Otter tracks!
Services: Same Trail head at Black Brook

Trail Name: Sunrise Trail    Length 5.5 km
Trailhead Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Type of Trail: Groomed, Tracked and Renovated
Grooming Schedule: 5 days a week as needed
Ability‑rating: 2 intermediate
Special Attractions: scenic views ‑ This trail goes from Black Brook to Mary Ann Falls. It is part of the longer trail that goes from Black Brook past Mary Ann Falls and to the Warren Lake Warden Station. The trail climbs to 500 feet above sea level and descends back down (the other half of the trail). Scenic views of the Atlantic coastline and interior wilderness plateau. Watch for wildlife, moose, deer or even otter tracks. 
Services: Same Trail head at Black Brook plus there is a warm up hut and pit privy near the falls.

Trail Name: Mary Ann Falls   ‑ Length is 6.5
Trailhead Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Type of Trail: Groomed, Tracked and Renovated
Ability‑rating: 2 intermediate
Special Attractions: The other part of the longer trail that goes from Mary Ann Falls to the Warren Lake Warden Station.
Services:  There is a warm up hut and pit privy near the falls.

Trail Name: Warren Lake Trail  Length 3.0 return
Trailhead Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Type of Trail: Groomed, Tracked and Renovated
Ability‑rating: 3 beginner
Special Attractions: Trail is through a mixed forest of birch, maple, poplar and spruce to Warren Lake, the largest lake in the Park
Services: Pit privies

Trail Name: Broad Cove Campground  Length 3 km return
Trailhead Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Type of Trail: Groomed, Tracked and Renovated
Ability‑rating: 3 beginner

Trail Name: Clyburn  Length 6 km return
Trailhead Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park 
Type of Trail: Groomed, Shorter trail this year due to washouts along the trail.
Ability-rating: 3 beginner
Special Attractions: Views of the Golf Course - Highland Links. The Trail follows the Clyburn River through a hardwood valley of beech, maple and birch, with some white spruce.  Scenic views of Franey Mountain.

Backcountry Ski Area ‑ no service, local inquiries advised, Skiing in the Park off the groomed trails would be considered a Backcountry Ski Area. 
Skiers who ski off‑trail in the Park are advised to check with Warden/Staff.

To rent one of the cabins, please contact Gena (902) 285-3008.