Hiking

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.

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:

	Easy	Family-friendly trails that are suitable for all visitors.
	Moderate	Medium-length trails with moderate elevation gain and some short, steep sections. Suitable for most visitors.
	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		7 km or 8.7 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		2.4 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		8.4 km	2 - 3 hours	100 - 305 m
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.