Hiking

The Park's 25 hiking trails range from easy strolls or challenging climbs to panoramic views of canyons, highlands and seacoasts.  The variety of trails provides a chance to intimately explore the complex habitat of northern Cape Breton Island. 

Remember that you are hiking in a protected wilderness environment.

-Take along appropriate clothing - rapid weather changes often occur on the plateau or along the coast. 
 
-Carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens.

-Bring insect repellent as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.

-Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.  

-Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.

-Stay on boardwalks to protected fragile vegetation.

The following is a brief description of each trail corresponding to the numbers on the Park Map, beginning in Cheticamp and going through the Park to Ingonish.   Distances are round - trip with average walking times.  Self-guiding trials are marked with an ‘e’.

1. L' Acadien 
Climb 365 metres above the Cheticamp River, for panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Cheticamp river valley and the Parks' highland interior. 
Trailhead: Opposite the Cheticamp Information Centre.
Significant Feature: Ocean and mountain scenery
Length: 8.4km (5.2 miles) loop trail,
Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours, 
Elevation: 20-365 m (65-1200 ft.)

2. Trous de Saumons  
Ideal for a fitness walk or a stroll, this level trail follows the bottom of the Cheticamp river canyon with cliffs almost 400 metres towering above.   Watch for Atlantic salmon in the deeper pools.  Mountain bikes are permitted, but there are rough sections. Listen for barred owls at dusk.
Trailhead: At Cheticamp Campground
Significant Feature: Acadian forest, river canyon
Length: 12.2 km (7.6 miles) return, 
Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours, 
Elevation:15 -110 m (50 - 360 ft.)

3. Le Chemin du Buttereau  
Feel the history on this trail.   Retrace the steps of the Acadian pioneers who travelled this cart path from  Le Buttereau, a small settlement of seven families, to Cheticamp. 
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the turn of for the Cheticamp Campground.
Significant Feature: Acadian forest, history, river flood plain
Length: 4.6 km (2.9 mile) return, 
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours, 
Elevation: 25 - 65 m (80 - 215 ft.)
 
5.  Le Buttereau ‘e’
The French Acadian history continues on this self-guiding trail, which was once part of an old cart path.  This trail provides great ocean views and is an excellent place to watch a beautiful sunset.
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at Grande Falaise picnic area.
Significant Feature: Acadian history, ocean
Length: 1.6 km (1 mile) loop, 
Hiking time: 30-45 minutes, 
Elevation: 0-55 m ( 0 - 180 ft) 

6. Corney Brook
Follow a meandering brook through a hardwood forest to a small waterfall that marks the end of the trail.  You are actually in a ‘box’ river canyon - only one way out! 
Trailhead: Across from the Corney Brook Campground
Significant Feature: Acadian forest river canyon, waterfalls
Length: 6.5 km (4 mile) return, 
Hiking time: 2 hours, 
Elevation: 30-170 m (100-560 ft) 

7.  Skyline
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.  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. 
Caution: Dogs are not permitted here as they disturb wildlife, especially moose and bear. 
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail on the top of French Mountain
Significant Feature: Headland cliff, ocean
Length: 9.2 km (5.7 mile) loop,
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours,
Elevation: 290-405 m ( 950 - 1330 ft)
 
8. Bog  ‘e’ 
In keeping with Parks Canada's mandate to protect the natural environment, a boardwalk keeps your feet dry as you walk while preventing you from trampling the fragile life in this highland plateau bog.  Wheelchair accessible.   Ideal for baby strollers.
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of French Mountain
Significant Feature: Boreal -Taiga, highland bog
Length:  0.5 km (0.3 mile) loop, 
Hiking Time: 15 minutes, 
Elevation: 410 m (1345 ft)

9.  Benjie's Lake
On the plateau at the top of the mountain, the trail crosses wet barrens and evergreen forests, typical of the highlands.  A viewing platform at the lake allows you to relax in this tranquil setting to await the arrival of moose that feed on plant life in the lake.
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of French Mountain
Significant Feature: Boreal highland forest
Length:  3 km (1.9 miles) return, 
Hiking time: 1- 1.5 hours, 
Elevation: 400 m  (1315 ft) 

10.  Fishing Cove
You are 335 metres or 1000 feet above sea level! Hike from the top of the mountain, about 8 kilometres down to a small ocean cove and grassy clearing - the only designated wilderness campsite in the park.   You must Register at a park information centres prior to camping. No potable water on site.
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of MacKenzie Mountain.
Significant Feature: Acadian forest, ocean cove and headlands  
Length: 15.7 km (9.8 miles) return (also a 5.7 km alternate route), 
Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours, 
Elevation: 0 - 355 m (0 - 1165 ft)

11.  MacIntosh Brook
Imagine a nice easy, fairly level stroll along a babbling brook, through a mature hardwood forest, with a scenic waterfall at the end.  
Trailhead: McIntosh Brook Campground and day use area
Significant feature: Acadian old growth forest, waterfall
Length: 1.7 km (1.1 miles) return, 
Hiking Time: 30-45 minutes, 
Elevation: 30 – 65 m (100 - 215 ft) 

12.  Lone Shieling   ‘e’
Dominated by 350 year old sugar maple trees, the Grande Anse Valley is one of  the largest old hardwood forests in the Maritimes. A replica of a Scottish crofters hut is found at the beginning of this short dry trail. 
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the base of North Mountain.
Significant feature: Acadian old growth forest, Scottish heritage
Length: 0.6 km (0.4 mile) loop, 
Hiking time: 15 minutes,  
Elevation: 70 m ( 230 ft)    

14.  Glasgow Lakes Lookoff
 From Paquette Lake, follow an old fire access trail across the wind swept barrens, over the hills and through the stands of softwood trees. Then follow a short side trail to the top of Glasgow Lakes Hill where you can see for miles!  Caution: Extensive wet and muddy section.
Trailhead: Take the Paquette Lake road and park at the lake
Significant feature: Highlands Taiga 
Length: 9.2 km  (5.7 miles) return, 
Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours,
Elevation: 260-460 m (850-1510ft.)

15.  Jack Pine ‘e’
Along this loop trail you will discover trees that grow in the cracks of rocks and need a forest fire to open the cones allowing them to grow!     
Caution: cliffs
Trailhead: Turn off the Cabot Trail at the Black Brook day use area and turn left to the upper parking lot.
Significant feature: Atlantic coastline  
Length: 2.3 km (1.4 miles) loop, 
Hiking Time: 1 hour, 
Elevation: 0-50 m ( 0 -165 ft)

16.  Coastal   
The 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.
Trailheads (2): At Black Brook and Halfway Brook.
Significant feature: Atlantic coastline, headlands
Length: 11.3 km (7.0 miles) return, 
Hiking time: 3-4 hours, 
Elevation: 0 - 45 m ( 0 - 150 ft)

17.  Jigging Cove Lake
Birders and other nature lovers enjoy the varied wildlife on this short relaxing trail around the lake.  
Trailhead: Parking lot on the Cabot Trail
Significant feature: Acadian forest, lake
Length: 2.4 km (1.5 mile) loop, 
Hiking time: 40-50 min,
Elevation: 50-65 m (165-215 ft)

18.  Jigging Cove Brook
This short path connects Jigging Cove Lake Trail with the Coastal Trail, allowing hikers to explore both the inland and coastal environments protected within the Park.
Trailhead: Off of Jigging Cove Lake
Length: 2.6 km (1.6 mile) loop.

19.  Green Cove  ‘e’
This a short leg stretcher trail but very interesting. From this rocky headland jutting out into the sea, you can watch the ocean crash against the rocks or catch a glimpse of whales offshore, as fishermen tend to their lobster traps - daring to come so close.  Caution: Keep away from cliffs during high wind and waves, the rocks are slippery because of algae even when they are dry!!
Trailhead: Parking lot on the Cabot Trail
Significant feature: Atlantic coastline, geology
Length: 0.2 km (0.1 mile) loop, 
Hiking time: 10 minutes, 
Elevation: 10 m ( 35 ft)

20.  Broad Cove Mountain
This switchback trail leads through a dense forest of softwood to the top of Broad Cove Mountain for a  view of Warren Lake, Broad Cove Campground and the Atlantic Ocean.   A bench at the top allows you to relax and enjoy the vistas below.  This is a great trail for families.
Trailhead: A small parking lot about a of the way in on the Warren Lake road.
Significant feature: Ocean, mountain scenery, fall colours     
Length:  2.3 km (1.4 miles) return, 
Hiking Time: 1 hours,  
Elevation: 35-180 m (115-590 ft)

21.  Warren Lake
For a relaxing walk or an early morning jog, this level trail is hard to beat.  Starting at either the Warren Lake picnic area or the access trail from Broad Cove Campground, the trail hugs the shoreline of the lake and is alive with wildlife. 
Trailheads: (2) The Warren Lake picnic area or from the connector trail across from Broad Cove Campground.
Significant feature: Acadian forest, lake
Length: 4.7 km  (2.9 miles) loop, 
Hiking time:  1-1.5 hours, 
Elevation: 15 m ( 50 ft)
 
22.  Branch Pond Look Off
A slow steady climb to the park=s interior, highland plateau, bogs and large windswept barrens are the wilderness experiences on this trail. The lookoff gives you a panoramic view of the Atlantic coast and the open highland plateau.
Trailhead: Turn off the Cabot Trail at the Warren Brook warden's station and follow the Mary Ann Falls road for about 5.9 km to the small parking area. 
Significant feature: Highland plateau,  barrens
Length: 8.1 km (5 miles) return, 
Hiking time: 2 - 3 hours, 
Elevation: 100-305 m (330-1000 ft)

23.  Franey
You climb up and up and your reward is at the top!  Look out over the open ocean from Cape Smokey to the east, to Money Point to the north, with the Middle Head Peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic or the Clyburn River winding through the valley directly below or back at the mountains, the sheer rocky face of Franey Mountain. 
Caution: keep young children away from the steep cliffs.
Trailhead: Turn off the Cabot Trail just north of the Clyburn River and follow the fire access road.  Significant feature: Transition from Acadian to boreal forest
Length: 7.4 km (4.6 mile ) loop, 
Hiking time: 2-3 hours, 
Elevation: 95 - 430 m ( 310-1410 ft)

24.   Clyburn Valley 
Spectacular stands of hardwood trees, boulders bigger than cars, old abandoned beaver ponds, meadows, apple trees. the remains of an old gold mine and  glimpses of the Highlands Links!
This level, easy trail is great for a fitness walk or relaxing stroll.  Caution: Mountain bikes are permitted but there are rough sections. 
Trailhead: Just north of the Clyburn River bridge.  
Significant feature: Hardwood valley, river, remains of an old gold mine. 
Length:  8.5 km (5.3 miles) return, 
Hiking time: 2-3 hours,  
Elevation: 5 –50 m ( 15-165 ft) 
  
25.  Middle Head  ‘e’
This trail follows the headland that juts out into the Atlantic, cutting Ingonish Bay into two almost equal halves.  Notice how the hardy vegetation has adapted to this windswept environment. Lots of sea birds.  
Trailhead: Just beyond the Keltic Lodge.
Significant Feature: Coastal headland and vegetation      
Length: 3.8 km (2.4 miles) return, 
Hiking time: 1-1.5 hours, 
Elevation: 0-45 m (0-150 ft)

27.  Freshwater Lake Lookoff
Short but very steep!  A picturesque vista unfolds before you, Ingonish Beach, Freshwater Lake, Middle Head and Cape Smokey. 
Trailhead: Across from the Administration Building      
Significant feature: Atlantic coastline
Length:  0.3 km (0.2 mile) return, 
Hiking time: 10  minutes,  
Elevation: 10- 45 m (35 - 150 ft)

28.  Freshwater Lake
Starting next to the ocean this short, level dry trail hugs the lake's shoreline and returns on a section of the old Cabot Trail.  A viewing deck lets you wait and watch for a beaver or a loon.
 Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Bicycles are permitted on this trail.
Trailhead: The Ingonish Beach Day Use Area parking lot.
Significant feature: Atlantic coastline, lake, beaver pond.
Length: 1.7 km (1.1 miles),
Hiking Time: 30 - 40 minutes,  
Elevation:  0-15 m (0-50 ft)

Happy Hiking! and join us during the Hike the Highlands Festival in September!!