Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Hiking - Trail Descriptions

16. 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.

Length: 1.5 km (0.9 mile)
Hiking time: 40 - 50 min
Elevation: 0 -50 m (0 - 165 ft)

17. Green Cove

Take a look at coastal vegetation and geology at Green Cove.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / 1983

This is 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 to the rocks. Notice the twisted stunted trees - known as “krummholz” - and the leathery leaves of the bayberry. Plants here have adapted to this windy, salt -sprayed coastal environment.

Caution: Keep away from cliffs during high wind and waves.

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.)

18. Broad Cove Mountain

Climb up and up through the forest to gain a bird's eye view of Warren Lake and the Atlantic Ocean.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / P. Doyle

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. You climb 168 m over a distance of 1.6 km. Watch for moose along the way or eagles as they soar overhead. 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 1/3 of the way in on the Warren Lake road
Significant Feature: Ocean, mountain scenery, fall colours
Length: 2.3 km (1.4 mile) return
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 35 - 180 m (115 - 590 ft.)

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