Hiking

Eatonville Trail – Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

  • 1108 West Advocate Road
    NS
  • Dates: May 15, 2024 - October 12, 2024
  • Hours: Open May-Oct; no winter maintenance. 
Overview

This trail leads to the abandoned Eatonville Village site a short distance from the Three Sisters rock formation. The trail begins with a steep ascent from the beach at McGahey Brook and is a challenging walk each way. It can be done in a day by avid hikers who are fit.

Trailhead: Red Rocks Visitor Centre
Significant Feature: Wilderness camping, wilderness bunkhouse
Length: 28 kilometres (17.4 miles) return
Hiking Time: 1 day
Elevation: up to 250 metres (820 feet)

Cape Chignecto is a 5,951-hectare natural environment park on a dramatic coastal peninsula. This park offers you an opportunity to appreciate some of the most pristine natural features found in Nova Scotia. Towering 185-metre-high cliffs, 29 kilometres (18 miles) of coastline, some of Nova Scotia’s most significant geological features, deep valleys, sheltered coves, old-growth forests and the world’s highest tides can all be found here. The spectacular scenery and the wilderness experience will bring you back time after time.

Visitors wishing to enjoy wilderness hiking and camping must use the Red Rocks Visitor Centre entrance at 1108 West Advocate Road – GPS N45 20.975 W64 49.414. Eatonville day-use park visitors must travel the West Apple River Road to the entrance at the Eatonville Visitor Centre building – GPS N45 25.300 W64 53.657. (The centre is closed until further notice; however, the trails remain open.) A park or camping permit is required and visitors must check in and out with the park so that we know you are safe.

The park season is from the May long weekend through the Thanksgiving weekend in October.

For your comfort and safety:
• The tidal range and steep cliffs may trap unwary hikers. The tide rises and falls at a rate of 1 inch per minute.
• Hiking along the beach west of McGahey Brook is not permitted.
• Approach cliffs only at designated viewing areas. The cliff line is constantly eroding and may be unstable.
• The Cape Chignecto ecosystem is unique and may be fragile. Do not remove or damage plants and wildlife.
• No open fires are permitted at back-country campsites. Fires are only permitted at designated walk-in campsites (fire grills) at New Yarmouth.
• Pack out all garbage.
• Boil, filter or treat all water before consuming.
• Weather may be unpredictable. Bring all-weather gear and comfortable hiking boots.
• Do not approach large mammals such as moose and black bear.
• For your own safety, please stay on the trail.

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