Hiking trails in the Margarees, on the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.

There are many opportunities for walking and hiking and in the Margarees and closeby in Cape Breton. Whether you are experienced or just want to get into our woods for a few hours, we have the trails.

Black Rock Pool Trail, Big Intervale area
One way: 3 km - 1.5 hours; double for return trip. There is the Big Intervale Fishing Lodge, Restaurant and Cabins at the end of the Trail, so it is easy to find access. The trail follows the remains of an old road which once connected Portree to Big Intervale. The area has been designated as a protected area by the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment. Accessed from the Cabot Trail by taking the Margaree Valley exit and heading toward the Fish Hatchery, continue on the gravel road, to a one-lane bridge at Portree. There is parking just past the bridge along the shoulder of the road. The trail begins at the driveway following the old roadbed toward Big Intervale.

Coady-Tompkins Trail, Margaree Forks area
1/2 km - 20 min. easy walking. This trail is a scenic and relaxing stroll along the Southwest branch to its junction with the Northeast branch of the Margaree River. The trail head is at the Visitor Information Centre at Margaree Forks, and winds through a wooded area over a little bridge to the bank of the Southwest Margaree River. The trail follows this bank to a point where the path turns to the right, and continues across a small bridge returning to the VIC via the Coady-Tompkins library grounds.

Old Miller Trout Farm, Margaree Forks area
1 km - 20 min. easy hike along edge of field. Hikers can park just opposite the Old Miller Trout Farm. Walk south on the old road past the fishing pond and the trail is visible going up the hill through a field. On top of the hill you'll have a great view of a section of the Margaree Valley. Follow the edge of pasture around back to the fish ponds.

Lifestyles Trails, Lake O' Law area
First trail 2 km - 1/2 hour. Second trail 3.5 km - 1 hour.When you are travelling from Baddeck, you will see signs for the Lifestyles Trails on the right, just about 2 km. before the Lakes restaurant. Both of these hiking trails follow along the edge of the beautiful Second Lake in the Lake O' Law chain. From the corner of the parking area a trail leads you over a small stream through the woods and down to a grassy road to an information kiosk. Beyond the kiosk there is an intersection where the trails begin. Be sure to watch for the rare Lady Slipper flower. The other trail, number 7, leaves from the same intersection beyond the information kiosk and continues straight ahead. One must immediately cross a bridge over a wide brook. After the bridge, one turns right and continues crossing another little brook on rocks, before coming to a grassy area at the lake's shore. One can sit here and enjoy the scenery or continue following the trail on the left.

Egypt Falls Trail, Southwest Margaree area 250 metres - 15 min. moderate to difficult walking and a steep hillside. This is a more challenging trail from the Piper's Glen Road, Upper Margaree, to the Egypt Falls. The trail descends through a stand of mixed hardwoods to the beautiful waterfall.
Eagle Nest Trail, Margaree Centre area Approx. 250 metres - 15 min. This is a nice short trail which offers a beautiful view of Margaree. Although it is short in length, it may prove to be challenging for some, as it climbs through woods and fields before reaching the look-off at 850 feet. There are opportunities to rest along the way as the trail has benches at various intervals, so you can rest your feet while enjoying a lovely view of the Margaree Valley. This trail traverses apple, quaking aspen, maple, pine and spruce trees before reaching a look-off point over the valley.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park
There are also first class hiking Trails in the National park, about 25 minutes away. The hikes in the park are outlined in a map available free of charge at the park entrances and at Visitor Information Centres. These outline distances, amount of time necessary to complete the hike and each's level of difficulty. There are a number you tackle in a couple of hours, including the Skyline Trail, which is well maintained and which offers moose sightings and spectacular lookoffs out over the ocean. This Trail is only minutes inside the park entrance north of Cheticamp.