Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Hiking - Trail Descriptions

10. MacIntosh Brook

A gentle meander through mixed woods leads to a waterfall.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / D. M. Stradeski, 2005

Imagine a nice, easy, fairly level stroll along a babbling brook and through a mature hardwood forest with a scenic waterfall at the end. Add to that the songs of forest birds and you have this relaxing trail.

Caution: exposed tree roots.

Trailhead: MacIntosh Brook Campground and day use area
Significant Feature: Old growth Acadian forest, waterfall
Length: 1.7 km (1.1 miles) return
Hiking Time: 30 - 45 min
Elevation: 30 - 65 m (100 - 215 ft.)

11. Lone Shieling

Marvel at the maples as you walk through this old growth hardwood forest and explore a reproduction of a Scottish crofter’s hut.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / S. Homer

“From the Lone Shieling of the Misty Island.
Mountains divide us and the waste of seas - Yet still the blood is strong, the heart is Highland.
And we in dreams behold the Hebrides.”

Dominated by 350 year old sugar maple trees, the Grande Anse Valley is one of the largest old growth hardwood forests in the Maritimes. One of the most protected areas of the park, access is restricted to this short trail. A replica of a Scottish crofter's hut is found at the beginning of this short dry trail. Find out why it's here. Keep a watch - moose like it here too.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the base of North Mountain
Significant Feature: Old growth Acadian forest, Scottish heritage
Length: 0.6 km (0.4 mile) loop
Hiking Time: 15 minutes
Elevation: 70 m (230 ft.)

12. Glasgow Lakes Lookoff

Take a hike into the sub-arctic Taiga of the Cape Breton Plateau on the Glasgow Lakes Lookoff Trail.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park /M. Stradeski, 2005

From Paquette Lake, follow an old fire access trail across windswept barrens, over hills and through stands of softwood trees. Then follow a short side trail to the top of Glasgow Lakes Hill where you can see for miles! This is a great trail to give you a feel for the “highlands plateau”. This flat area at the top of the park has vegetation similar to the northern Taiga with stunted trees, huckleberries and bracken ferns. The panoramic view of the open barrens and the ocean are quite unique.

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 - 1510 ft.)

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