Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Hiking - Trail Descriptions

22. Clyburn Valley

Walk or cycle along the Clyburn River through a hardwood forest to an abandoned gold mine.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / S. Homer

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. This level, easy trail is great for a fitness walk or relaxing stroll.

Caution: Mountain bikes are permitted but there are rough sections.

Trailhead: Just north of the Clyburn River bridge
Significant Feature: Hardwood valley, river, remains of old gold mine
Length: 8.5 km (5.3 miles) return
Hiking Time: 2 - 3 hours
Elevation: 5 - 50 m (15 - 165 ft.)

23. Middle Head

Walk out along a rocky headland to get great views of Ingonish and Cape Smokey.
©Cape Breton Highlands National Park / Marie Stradeski

This trail follows the headland that juts out into the Atlantic, cutting Ingonish Bay into two almost equal halves. Interpretative signs explain the human history of this area as well the flora and fauna. Notice how the hardy vegetation has adapted to this windswept environment: the stunted trees, the waxy leaves and plants like bayberry growing low to the ground to avoid the cutting winds. Lots of coastal views of both ocean bays as well as Cape Smokey. Gulls, cormorants, guillemots and other seabirds frequent the tip of this trail.

Trailhead: just beyond the Keltic Lodge
Significant Feature: Coastal headland and vegetation
Length: 3.8 km (2.4 miles) return
Hiking Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Elevation: 0 - 45 m (0 - 150 ft.)

24. Freshwater Lake Look-off

Enjoy an eagle's view of Freshwater Lake - can you spot any fish?
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / 1971

Short but very steep! A picturesque vista unfolds before you: Ingonish Beach, Freshwater Lake, Middle Head and Cape Smokey. If you don't have time for a longer hike to get a view, then this trail is for you. Children enjoy it also but be careful at the top.

Trailhead: Across from the Administration Building
Significant Feature: Atlantic coastline
Length: 0.3 km (0.2 mile) return
Hiking Time: 10 minutes
Elevation: 10 - 45 m (35 - 150 ft.)

25. Freshwater Lake

Watch for loons, muskrat, beavers and red-winged blackbirds as you hike the Freshwater Lake Trail.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / Gerry Boulet, 2007

Starting next to the ocean, this short, level, dry trail hugs the lake's shoreline and returns on a section of the old Cabot Trail. A viewing deck lets you wait and watch for a beaver or muskrat. The unique song of the loon can be heard or catch a glimpse of one on the lake. Great family and fitness trail. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Complete your stroll with a dip in the ocean or the Freshwater Lake. Bicycles are permitted on this trail but pedestrians have the right of way.

Trailhead: The Ingonish Beach Day Use Area parking lot
Significant Feature: Atlantic coastline, lake, beaver pond
Length: 1.7 km (1.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 30 - 40 minutes
Elevation: 0 - 15 m (0 - 50 ft)

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