Hiking
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park's hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic views of canyons, highlands and seacoasts. The trails provide a chance to intimately explore the complex habitat of northern Cape Breton Island. Nature doesn't end at the park's boundaries. Many surrounding areas boast equally breathtaking trails.
Changes to your hiking experience in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Your hiking experience in Cape Breton Highlands National Park will be slightly different in 2024, with changes occurring to multiple trails within the park.
The Branch Pond Look-off Trail is no longer maintained due to the removal of an unsafe bridge near the beginning of the trail. The trail will be removed from park maps and this website.
The Mary Ann Falls Road is permanently closed to vehicles but will reopen in 2024 for hiking and mountain biking. Please check back for details, to be published once a final route and description are available.
The Coastal Trail has been segmented for the past number of years. The southern portion will be absorbed into the Jack Pine Trail, while the northern segment will become the Neil Brook Beach Trail.
Additionally, work is being conducted on the Franey, Middle Head, and Broad Cove Mountain trails to enhance your experience and enjoyment of these trails. Updated imagery and trail details will be shared once they become available.
The following is a list of Cape Breton Highlands National Park's hiking trails. Distances are round-trip with average walking times. Click on the trail name for more detailed information.
Our trails have been rated for difficulty with the internationally recognized symbols:
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Easy | Family-friendly trails that are suitable for all visitors. |
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Moderate | Medium-length trails with moderate elevation gain and some short, steep sections. Suitable for most visitors. |
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Difficult | Longer trails with long, steep sections that are suitable for visitors who have trail experience and are prepared (proper equipment and water). |
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Time | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadian (loop) | |
8.4 km | 3 - 4 hours | 20 - 365 m |
| Salmon Pools | |
9.5 km | 3 - 4 hours | 15 - 110 m |
| Le Chemin du Buttereau | |
4.6 km | 1.5 hours | 25 - 65 m |
| Le Buttereau (loop) | |
1.6 km | 30 - 45 minutes | 0 - 55 m |
| Le vieux chemin du Cap-Rouge | |
9 km | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | 40 - 110 m |
| Corney Brook | |
6.5 km | 2 hours | 30 - 170 m |
| Skyline | |
6.5 km or 8 km (loop) |
2 - 3 hours | 290 - 405 m |
| Bog (loop) | |
0.5 km | 15 minutes | 410 m |
| Benjie's Lake | |
3 km | 1 - 1.5 hours | 400 m |
| Fishing Cove | |
12 km | 5 - 6 hours | 0 - 355 m |
| MacIntosh Brook | |
1.7 km | 30 - 45 minutes | 30 - 65 m |
| Lone Shieling (loop) | |
0.6 km | 15 minutes | 70 m |
| Aspy | / |
9.6 km | 3 - 4 hours | 60 - 450 m |
| Mica Hill | |
7.9 km | 3 - 3.5 hours | 260 - 410 m |
| Jack Pine (loop) | |
2.3 km | 1 hour | 0 - 50 m |
| Coastal Partially closed | |
2.1 km; 1.6 km | 1 hour | 0 - 45 m |
| Jigging Cove (loop) | |
2.4 km | 40 - 50 minutes | 50 - 65 m |
| Green Cove | |
0.2 km | 10 minutes | 10 m |
| Broad Cove Mountain | |
2.3 km | 1 hour | 35 - 180 m |
| Warren Lake (loop) | |
4.7 km | 1.5 hours | 15 m |
| Branch Pond Look-off Closed | - | - | - | - |
| Franey (loop) | |
7.4 km | 2 - 3 hours | 95 - 430 m |
| Clyburn Valley | |
8.5 km | 2 - 3 hours | 5 - 50 m |
| Middle Head | |
3.8 km | 1.5 hours | 0 - 45 m |
| Freshwater Lake Look-off | |
0.3 km | 10 minutes | 10 - 45 m |
| Freshwater Lake | |
1.7 km | 30 - 40 minutes | 0 - 15 m |
Remember that you are hiking in a protected wilderness environment.
- Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.
- Hike with friends and a solid walking stick.
- If you choose to walk alone, tell somebody where you are going.
- Pack in, pack out. Littering attracts wildlife and puts you and the animals at risk.
- Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation.
- Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.
- Dress appropriately. Weather may change rapidly on the plateau and along the coast.
- Bring water, especially for longer trails, climbs and open barrens.
- Bring insect repellant. Black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.
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