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! This Jack Pine forest, though common in Canada, is rare in Cape Breton. Interpretive panels tell the story of this area, beginning with a fire in 1921, a budworm infestation and the hardy vegetation that survives today in this harsh coastal environment. The effects of the wind, rain, sun, cold and salt all take their toll. 




Significant Feature: Atlantic coastline
Caution: Cliffs.
Trailhead: Turn off the Cabot Trail at the Black Brook day use area and turn left to the upper parking lot.
Civic address: 33637 Cabot Trail.
GPS Coordinates: 46.778569, -60.332248
Length: 2.3 km loop.
Hiking Time: 1.0-1.5 hours.
Trail Difficulty: – 2C.
Elevation: 0 – 50 m (0 – 165 ft).

Jack Pine Trail Map – Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
(Copyright Parks Canada 2007-2026 Used with permission)

Climb steadily through the forest and your effort will be well rewarded at the summit. Large rocks provide an ideal spot to rest and take in spectacular 360° views of the Clyburn Brook canyon and the Atlantic coastline, stretching from Cape Smokey to Ingonish. Look inland toward the mountains, the sheer rocky face of Franey Mountain, or down to the river winding through the valley, 423 metres below.
 

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way—moose are often seen in this area.
 

The trail has recently been redesigned to feature two scenic loop options (4.5 km and 13 km), with the former stair sections replaced by gentler switchbacks. We will be completing the full loop.

Trailhead: Access the parking area and trailhead at the end of Franey Road.
GPS Coordinates: 46.660766, -60.422683
Trail Rating: Difficult
Hiking Time: Full loop is 5-6 hours
Elevation: 17-423 m (55-1,387ft)

 

The trail hugs the shoreline of the park's largest lake and is alive with wildlife. A wide variety of birds flit through the trees and there is evidence of larger animals like moose and bear. Quiet hikers may catch a glimpse of one of these elusive animals. You will cross a suspension bridge around the halfway point.




Elevation: 15 m (50 ft).
Time/Distance: 1.5hrs / 4.7km.
Difficulty Rating: 2C.
Trail head: Warren Lake.
GPS Coordinates: 46.713207, -60.383985

This hike will give you an amazing view on top. The steep climb up Broad Cove will be well worth the steps as you enjoy the panoramic ocean view at the top of the mountain 



Trail head: A small parking lot on your right about 1/3 of the way in on the Warren Lake road.
Civic Address: 110 Warren Lake Rd.
GPS Coordinates: 46.715114, -60.370568
Time/Distance: 1.5hrs / 2.3km (1.4 mi).
Difficulty Rating: 3C.

The hike begins along the 'Tower Road' to the Gulch Trail Head. In the first 800 m of the hike the road drops about 50 m and takes you across a saddle giving you an aerial view of Bay St. Lawrence on the left and a view of Aspy Bay and White Point on the right. One then goes back up and follow the ridge through small spruce trees to the Gulch Trail Head. [S 46 59.970'; W 60 25.967'] Approximate time along Tower Road is 50 to 60 minutes. The hike then turns right off the road and winds through low spruce and alder to a spectacular bare ridge from which one sees all of Aspy Bay, White Point and St. Paul Island. [N 46 59.587'; W 60 25.318']  Along this section there are many ‘big’ ocean views. Much of this section is not on a groomed path and requires following flagging while picking ones way around windfalls and brush. Approximate time for this off road section is 30 minutes. We return as we came. Walking back on Tower Road one gets wonderful views of Sugar Loaf Mountain. This is one of the few vantage points that clearly shows Sugar Loaf to be the highest peak in the area. Total hike time (including lunch) is about 3.5 to 4 hours. Total distance is 10 km.

Time/Distance: 3.5 - 4 hrs / 10 km
Difficulty Rating: 3C
Trail head:  (Note: This is a new starting point for this hike. )
Coming from the Cabot Trail turn right at the Bell Aliant building at the top of the mountain in Bay Road Valley before the road descends into St. Margaret's Village and Bay St. Lawrence. [N 46 58.580'; W 60 27.464'] Drive 1.7 km (slowly) up the mountain. Go past the gravel pit to the registration area. [N 46 58.592; W 60 27.234'] (Caution: Occasionally the gravel pit is operational and you might share the road with gravel trucks.)
GPS Coordinates: 46.942722, -60.466846




 

Climb from near sea level for approximately 2 km to an elevation of 1,400 feet. The trail begins along an old logging road before rising to a series of scenic viewpoints. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views over Aspy Bay and the beaches stretching from Cabot Landing Beach toward Dingwall and South Harbour. A lookout along the way also offers impressive vistas of the Highlands and Bay St. Lawrence.

Time/Distance: 3-4 hrs / 4 km
Difficulty Rating:  4D
Trail head: From Cape North, take Bay St. Lawrence Road toward Meat Cove. Sugar Loaf Mountain is located on the left approximately 1 km past Cabot Landing Provincial Park.
GPS Coordinates: 46.953267, -60.461017

A fun and relaxing hike where hikers can enjoy the sand, ocean waves and the mountains in the background. Some amazing photos have been taken over the past 3 years.  Take time to look at the cairn, and plaques at the Cabot Landing Provincial Park.  The pointed mountain in the background is the Sugar Loaf mountain.



Time/Distance: 1.5- 2 hrs / 4 km.
Difficulty Rating: 1B.
Trail head: Drive north from Cape North heading to Bay St. Lawrence.  Look for the Cabot Landing Provincial Park.  Turn right and park in the provincial park. The hike begins on the beach.
GPS Coordinates: 46.942722, -60.466846

This is an out-and-back hike, so you will return along the same trail. If you have previously taken the original route up Squirrel Mountain in Grand Étang, you’ll be pleased to find that this newer route is much more manageable. The first kilometre features a steady uphill climb, after which the trail branches off and follows a small brook (you’ll need to cross it, though the water level is typically low). As you continue, you will pass through sections of mature forest filled with tall hardwood trees. The trail eventually leads to a breathtaking panoramic lookout, offering sweeping views of the mountains to both the north and south, along with a clear view of Grand Étang Harbour. From the summit, you can also spot Margaree Island, Chéticamp Island, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and plenty of water are recommended for this hike.

Hike Length: approximately 3.5 to 4 km (return)

Hiking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Trail Rating: Moderate to Difficult
Trailhead: In Grand Étang, turn onto Carding Hill Road and follow it to the end of the road. Drive past the quarry weight scale to find the parking area, which is before the trailhead sign. It is important to not park on the road.
GPS Coordinates: 46.550370, -61.025710

This mostly level trail begins by following the floor of the Chéticamp River canyon, where dramatic cliffs rising nearly 400 metres (1,300 feet) tower overhead. About 3.6 km from the trailhead, you’ll reach First Pool along the Chéticamp River.
 

From there, the path narrows as it continues to Chance Pool, where smooth, exposed bedrock creates an ideal rest spot beside the water. The trail then carries on through forest and along the river’s edge, passing gravel bars broken by lively rapids and deep pools, for another 600 metres to its current endpoint.
 

Keep an eye out for Atlantic salmon in the deeper pools, and if you’re there near dusk, listen for the distinctive call of barred owls echoing through the canyon.

Time/Distance: 3-4 hrs / 9.5 km
Difficulty Rating: 3C
Trail head: Turn off the Cabot Trail at the sign for the Cheticamp Visitor Centre. Drive straight toward the compound and pass through the gate. Then turn left and continue ahead to the Salmon Pools parking lot.
GPS Coordinates: 46.643298, -60.946835

This hike crosses through the forest, from the inner sloping, beachy side of Chéticamp Island to the dramatic, open ocean-facing cliffs of the outer side of the island. Once on the outer ocean side, the walk follows the cliffs through cattle pastures and evergreen brush to the northern tip of Chéticamp Island, where there is a lighthouse, and then continues clockwise along the gravel road to the opening of Chéticamp Harbour. The western side of the Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and finally the village of Chéticamp, can be viewed from a unique perspective. This is a perfect walk for those interested in photography, various plants, and trees. The views are incredible.

Hike Length: approximately 7 to 8 km loop
Hiking Time: 3 to 3.5 hours (allowing time to wander)
Trail Rating: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Flat, slight inclines and declines, mostly paths, trails, gravel road, some minor bushwhacking, some water (a small puddle), and mud.
Meeting spot: On the Chéticamp Island Lighthouse Road (dirt road, runs parallel to the harbour), just beyond the last house (yellow house) and before the metal cattle bridge and fencing, bottom of the field. Park on the side of the road.
Expect to encounter some cattle/livestock (safe, no threat). Dress in layers; it is sheltered and warm in the woods, then often quite windy on the open cliffs. Dry footwear is a must (running shoes are not suitable).

 

This trail begins at the old Snowmobile Clubhouse and follows the well-groomed 104 Snowmobile Trail to the camp turnoff. The camp sits high on the mountainside above Chéticamp, offering sweeping views of the village below, Chéticamp Island, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Îles de la Madeleine on the northwestern horizon.

Hike Length: approximately 9.5 km (return)
Hiking Time: 3 to 3.5 hours (return)
Trail Rating: Difficult
Trail Head: Old Skidoo Club, 1196 Chéticamp Back Road
GPS Coordinates: 46.625713, -60.980614

Hike alongside a gently winding brook as it threads through a hardwood forest, leading you to a small waterfall at the trail’s end. You are tucked inside a box river canyon—there’s only one way back out! Keep your eyes open for wildlife along the way, from birds and snowshoe hares to perhaps even a moose.
 

Trailhead: Across from the Corney Brook Campground.  
Civic Address: 18573 Cabot Trail.
GPS Coordinates: 46.725580, -60.924757
Significant Feature: Acadian forest river canyon, waterfalls
Length: 6.5 km (4 miles) return.
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Trail Difficulty - 2B
Elevation: 30 - 170 m (100 - 560 ft.)

A pleasant walk near the mouth of the Chéticamp River, where it meets the ocean along the edge of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. From here, you can catch sight of the beginning of the Acadian Trail and sections of Le Buttereau Trail. Keep an eye on the sky—eagles are often seen gliding overhead in search of their next meal.
This peaceful trail is perfect for unwinding, with plenty of stunning spots for photos. The river views are especially breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll even find a swing—an irresistible place to pause and capture a memorable picture.

 

Hike Length: 2–3 km
Hike Time: 2 hours

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.




Time/Distance: 2-3 hours / 8.5 km
Trail Difficulty: 2C
Trailhead: Parking lot past Clyburn Picnic Park & Bridge
GPS Coordinates: 46.660688, -60.410384

Along this walk there are views on both sides of the path of the mountains, the 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.




Time/Distance: 2 hrs / 4 kms (2.5 mi)
Difficulty Rating: 2C
Trail head: 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. Civic Address – 392 Keltic In Rd.
GPS Coordinates: 46.655391, -60.372142

Middle Head Trail Map (Cape Breton Highlands National Park).
(Copyright Parks Canada 2007-2022. Used with permission)

Step back in time to an old settlement. Hear stories of ghosts and gold. This trail offers spectacular views of Sugarloaf and North Mountains and is the site of this year's sunset hike.

Time/Distance: 2.5 -3 hours / 4 km
Difficulty Rating:  2C
Trail head: Drive to Neil's Harbour and turn right onto Alternate Scenic Route Drive. You will pass through the communities of Neil's Harbour and New Haven before reaching White Point. Turn right at White Point and continue into the community. Turn down toward the wharf and park your vehicle there, being careful not to block anyone in. From there, walk up to the trailhead where the pavement meets the gravel road.
GPS Coordinates: 46.877300, -60.353800

Hiking along the old Aspy Trail you follow in the settler’s footsteps up to the Highland plateau.  This old trail starts at Beulach Ban falls and follows along the Aspy Valley offering spectacular views of the Aspy River below and the flora and fauna that make this area their home.  Recent trail work has made crossing streams easier but waterproof hiking boots is recommended. There is an excellent view from the red chair of the mountains and Aspy Valley.



Significant Feature: Hardwood river valley
Distance: 9.6 km return
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: 3C
Trailhead: Take the Beulach Ban Falls Road and park at the falls
GPS Coordinates: 46.814041, -60.626273
 

The Freshwater Lake  & Look-off Trail combines two short Parks Canada trails. The Freshwater Lake Trail begins at the Ingonish Beach parking lot and follows the scenic shoreline of Freshwater Lake to the Parks Canada Visitor Information Centre. Directly across the road from the Visitor Information Centre, the Freshwater Lake Look-off Trail climbs steeply, but briefly, to a stunning viewpoint. From the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Freshwater Lake, Cape Smokey, Middle Head, and Ingonish Beach.




Elevation: 0-45 m
Difficulty Rating: 1B
Trailhead: Ingonish Beach Day Use parking Lot
GPS Coordinates: 46.650291, -60.390789