Explore Cumberland Hiking & Trail Guide

Unlock the beauty of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia with our guide to top hiking trails! From rugged coastlines to lush forests, discover breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a bird watcher or nature enthusiast, we invite you to uncover the best trails and hidden gems in Cumberland, guaranteed to elevate your outdoor adventure. In this blog post, we’ll take a journey through some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Cumberland County, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Nova Scotia’s wilderness.

Gut and High Head Trail, Wentworth Valley

Wentworth is perhaps the finest destination in the Atlantic Provinces dedicated to year-round outdoor activity. This 6 km, loop trail features beautiful wild flowers, towering trees and babbling brooks. The trail is accessible year-round, accessed through Ski Wentworth’s main gate. A rewarding hike with an incredible, scenic view awaits at High Head. Head out on this 4.7-km out-and-back trail near Wentworth, Nova Scotia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 33 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. You won’t want to miss this Cumberland County hiking trail. Check out the link to Ski Wentworth, from winter activities to hiking and biking.

NEW Lift-accessed trails for 2024! Ski Wentworth operates Nova Scotia’s only lift-accessed downhill mountain bike facility with many options for all levels of riders.

Cape Chignecto Day Loop

Eatonville was once a vibrant shipbuilding and lumbering centre and harbour. Today, the Eatonville Day-Use area features approximately 5.5 kilometres of family-accessible trail systems leading to professionally engineered viewing platforms offering spectacular views of the Three Sisters sea stacks, Eatonville Harbour, the raised beach at Squally Point, and the upper Bay of Fundy. Eatonville day-use park visitors must travel the West Apple River Road to the entrance at the Eatonville Visitor Centre, 1108 West Advocate Rd. Cumberland County hiking trails are impressive!

This trail is located in the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark. Learn more the Global Geopark designation and sites by visiting their website.

Tidnish Dock Walking Trail

Located near Tidnish Cross Roads (north 400 m off Route 366) in the Northumberland Shore region, Tidnish Dock Provincial Park marks the eastern terminal of the historic Chignecto Marine Transport Railway – one of Nova Scotia’s most ambitious engineering projects. The project called for the construction of a 28 km long double-tracked railway from Fort Lawrence on the Bay of Fundy, across the isthmus to Tidnish Dock on the Northumberland Strait. 

Today, a section of the old railbed is a 3.7 km walking trail that starts at the Tidnish Visitor Centre, leading to the Tidnish Dock Provincial Park. Along the way it crosses an historic keystone bridge and a modern 66-m suspension bridge over the Tidnish River. This picturesque seaside park also features a picnic area and a small beach.

In addition to its historic significance, the park includes a small warm water beach (unsupervised); picnic tables; change rooms and vault toilets; and interpretive panels. Group use is available.

This trail is an 8 km, out and back route that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking. 919 Tidnish Head Rd.

Trails are dog friendly, keep dogs on a leash and remember to pick up after your pets. Don’t forget your water bottle and bug spray. Check for ticks after your hike, especially during high seasons in the fall and spring.

To learn more about Cumberland County hiking trails, waterfalls and access to hidden gems in the Cumberland region, download our Hiking Guide, which contains links to detailed trail information, maps and GPS co-ordinates.