Trail Tales

New Parking Area

     No more pulling over in sketchy areas not meant for parked cars to get your canoe or kayak into Long Lake Provincial Park.  Atlantic Developments, Polycorp, the government of Nova Scotia, with consultations from the volunteer group the Long Lake Provincial Park Association  have teamed up to build proper access off of Northwest Arm Drive, along with a 5km trail system extending from Old Sambro Road to a loop around Witherod Lake. (Have a look at my map for reference).

New 60 car parking lot

     Those of us who have been clamoring for a safe and easy place to park to get access to the lake will only have to wait until late April for that wish to come true.  The parking area which is designed for 60 vehicles will be at the end of a short driveway, set back from the road to "maintain the natural esthetics of the area".  The look-off park area on Old Sambro Road across from Dentith Road will also have its own new parking spaces.

    As for the trails, they more or less augment existing trails and paths.  There will be 5 kilometers of trails from Old Sambro Road to the Witherod Lake Loop.  The existing trails will be upgraded to a 4 meter wide gravel pathway with minimal grades making it fully accessible.  Woodchips alongside the parking lot and trail will help buffer the industrial look. Picnic areas, benches, outhouses, doggie bags, garbage cans and other overdue improvements were also part of the plan.

Witherod Lake

     The project was made possible by a $600,000 investment from both developers. The LLPA volunteer group will be managing the project after it is complete with the assistance of a $40,000 provincial grant.

    This is a good example of developers, volunteer organizations and government coming together to improve access and accessibility to our amazing and under-appreciated natural areas.  It's no coincidence this area is directly across from the companies newly developed Long Lake Villages, but in this case I think everyone benefits.  It's too bad a similar approach wasn't brokered during the destruction of the Whopper Trail in Bayers Lake.

     H.R.M. is undertaking an alignment study of the Northwest Arm Greenway project which proposes connecting Long Lake Provincial park with the Chain Of Lakes Trail via Northwest Arm Drive and St. Margaret's Bay Road.
   
   

    A polar bear swim isn't the only new years hangover-curing outdoor experience.  Check out these suggestions of places to help you recover from the sins of last night/year.

Charlies Lake Lookoff

5) Charlies Lake Trail.  New Year's redemption can be found overlooking Charlie's lake. A short, but rugged 1km hike from the parking lot at Maskwa Aquatic club, leads to a spectacular place of rejuvenation. Re-fill your lungs with certified fresh organic 2016 oxygen along the steep rocky shoreline.

4) Shubie Park.  If you're in the Dartmouth area, heading to Shubie Park is your best option for a place to be seen being "just great, thanks!" (as your grimace turns into a smile).  Sure last night was a rough one, but you're still out getting exercise and seizing the new year!  ( Check out the map to find a route length that accommodates your stomach condition).

3) Point Pleasant Park. Get off on the right foot by raising your pulse in Halifax's heart.  Give a fist bump, or subtle wink and nod to any fellow party revellers who also opted for nature over nurture for the first day of 2016.

2) Long Lake Provincial Park.  If you want to get away, but just far enough that no one will notice that you look like an extra from "The Walking Dead",  explore Long Lake Provincial Park.  You can find plenty of places off the beaten path to ponder all of the amazing things you will be accomplishing in the new year once you get your voice back.

Herring Cove Lookoff

1) Herring Cove Provincial Park. Sure it might be a little chilly and snowy, but we are in Nova Scotia and nothing rings in a fresh new year like some fresh, cool salty ocean air.   It's a rugged coastal hike, but exploring this place is just easy enough that you don't have to worry about starring in a survival story when you realize your ambition doesn't match your current physiology. Check out a 360 View Here!

Happy 2016!

Top 5 Fall Hikes In The H.R.M.

Dog parks, walking trails, sports fields, and active transport.

This time of year, especially after the cruel joke of a Winter we have had to endure, it's almost imperative to be enlightened by Nova Scotia's great outdoors.  It's easy to have logic outweighed by ambition so take it slow, and as Frankie MacDonald says best; be prepared! Check out some tips here first.  The Victoria Day weekend is a perfect time to kick start a new year full of outdoor adventures, so here's a top 10 list to get you started:

10) Belchers Marsh Park.  This little oasis in the heart of Clayton Park may seem very un-assuming at first, but once you walk around you'll appreciate the quaint urban setting.  This unique spot is a major gathering place for all kinds of different birds and waterfowl.  If you stick around long enough you're bound to see some kind of bird you've never seen in the city before.  Stop to read about the nature and the history of the area, with signs courtesy of the Halifax NorthWest Trails Association.  At about 1.5km, a full loop on its gravel pathway can be accomplished pretty easily, making it an ideal stroll with kids.  Video

9) Fleming Park.  What Haligonian doesn't love Fleming Park?  Saying you don't like Fleming Park is like saying you hate Point Pleasant Park, which is enough to get you deported.  Whether it's a picnic, a jog, a paddle or some good old fashioned gallivanting, this place is amazing in the Spring.  Seeing everything starting to bloom at Fleming Park, makes it no wonder why it's such a popular place for weddings.  I think every Haligonian is married to Fleming Park.  Video

8) Point Pleasant Park. Each change of season means it's time for another visit to Point Pleasant Park.  You can almost see the heart of Halifax beating here.  I sometimes think that the mood of the city is a reflection of the current climate at Point Pleasant Park.  It's ideal for Jogging, walking, catching, throwing, pondering and most other verbs. Video

7) Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve.  It may be a little early to spend a lot of time taking in views of the chilly Atlantic coastline, but if  you're a true  Nova Scotian, there's never an unacceptable time to head to the coast.  Bring extra layers, and be cautious on the wet rocky terrain.  The area stretches for about 1.5km so its' short enough to head back if things get chilly, or if your body betrays you.  Scampering along the coast here can make anyone feel like they could have been an expert rock climber if they chose to.  Ditch your cross-fit class and get your exercise here in nature's yoga studio. Video

6) Hemlock Ravine Park.  It has a heart shaped pond.  This area has been loved since Halifax's early days.  What's not to love about old-growth forest minutes from downtown Halifax? If you love Point Pleasant Park, you'll love the sans-coastline version of it too.  The ravine itself is pretty cool, and the trails are exactly like what you see at Point Pleasant.  Ideal for strolls with loved ones.  You could become another chapter in Fleming park's amorous history by proposing marriage next to the heart shaped pond. Get married at Fleming Park, have photos taken at Point Pleasant and accomplish the Halifax relationship trifecta.  Or you could just go and appreciate the absolute jewel we have here.  Video

5) Blue Mountain hiking trail.  This one requires some navigation and hiking prowess.  The area is always in flux with logging and development, so some roads and paths may lead you in the wrong direction.  Nonetheless, making it atop Blue Mountain is spectacular.  If you've never been, you're probably unaware that Halifax has such high vantage points of the peninsula.  It can be windy up there so dress accordingly, and bring some binoculars to have a look around.  Video

4) Chain Of Lakes/ B.L.T. Trails.  If you have something that has wheels and is powered by human kinetics, go take it for a rip on this converted railway trail system.  The Chain Of Lakes Trail is paved, so possibilities abound.  The B.L.T. trail is gravel.  Have a look at the maps and plan how far you want to go.  This is quickly becoming an active transportation highway, so follow the rules of the road.  Perfect excuse to dust off that new fitness tracker you got for Christmas and never learned how to use.  Video

3) Musquodoboit Trailway.  This area is for the experienced and the fit.  If you love being challenged on your hikes, this is the place to go.  The old adage that good things come with hard work is proven here.  Another one of those spots that you'll wonder how you never knew about it if you've never been.  Bring a camera and a lunch. Video

2) Polly's Cove.  If you've spent more than an hour in Nova Scotia, it usually means you've been to Peggy's Cove.  Rightfully so. It's absolutely beautiful. If you can't take a photo that gets at least 10 "likes" there, you obviously need a new camera.  What's lesser-known is the nearby hiking trails of Polly's Cove.  If you want a different perspective on Peggy's Cove, head there.  You get all the benefits of Peggy's Cove (astounding coastal beauty) without the crowds.  Peggy's Cove looks just as cool from a distance. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom.  You'll see the area in a way you haven't seen it before. Video

1) Kearney Lake Trails.  This area is set to become part of one of the most spectacular urban parks in North America.  Haven't been there? Go.  Here's a few reasons why: 1) If you've ever been to Kejimkujik National Park, you'll be astounded to see the same kind of setting right here in our backyard.  Pristine un-touched lakes, surrounded by old-growth forest. It's something you'd normally have to drive hours to find. 2) In the Spring, without full foliage, it's easier to navigate.  For the same reason, you have more views of the lakes.  3) Unbeatable authentic hiking experience.  If you appreciate a raw, natural hike, this place has everything you've been looking for. Video

This list could easily contain many other places, and the order is merely a formality. The important thing is to get outside and get acquainted with the assets that make Halifax such a unique city.  Don't forget to share your experiences with us on Facebook and Twitter (@halifaxtrails)

My latest excursion was to a place that I had heard good things about but never been.  With a new camera begging to be taken on a tour. I decided to check it out.

 The trail, like many throughout the province, is not marked or signed very well. Once you pull onto Duncan's Cove Road, there is no hint of where the trail is other than a small gravel parking area on the side of the road near a private access road entrance. I guessed that this was where we enter even though it looked a bit sketchy.


 Right away as you walk down the main road toward the private road you get to see a glimpse of the great views you are about to encounter. The unique community of houses are also blend of classic nova Scotia coastal communities and modern architecture. The first few hundred meters might seem as though you are trespassing but once you reach the top of the hill, the beautiful rugged coastline and the rest of the trail become visible. It is a great example of some of the hidden gems that are everywhere in the province. The coastal views are as good as it gets. For a short day hike which isn't a far drive from Halifax, you'd be hard pressed to find a better spot than this.

 It was late august and the blueberry bushes which saturate the coastal Barrens were in full bloom. A few seconds of foraging bore a handful of delicious Huckleberries. My sister in law later visited here with my nephews and I received some fantastic arctic blueberry jam! (Recommended reading: "Field Guide to Edible Plants in Eastern and Central North America")

 There are a couple of world war one era lookouts which mark roughly the mid point and end point of the trail. When I reached the first lookout which only took about 30 minutes I felt like there was no need to go any further, as the views here were spectacular. My stop here probably added 20 minutes to the trip but I would advise others to do the same. I'm sure that spotting whales from here can be achieved with the proper amount of dedication and daydreaming.

 The second leg of the journey includes some really great rock climbing opportunities and great spots to watch the powerful surf up close (caution strongly advised). The trail gets more rugged toward the end and there is potential for a catastrophic fall in a couple of places if you aren't paying attention. These dangers are to be considered if you bring kids along but otherwise add to the character of the trail.

 The second lookout marks the end of the trail and again the views are spectacular. Green rocky barrens stretch as far as the eye can see to the west, blue skies and ocean as far as you can see to the east. Another great example of modern architecture lies further down the coast on what has to be one of the nicest dwellings in the province. I'm not sure which aspect of this place is the most impressive: the house, the pool, the property, or the immense rock wall surrounding the property.




 After this point the trail ends and you must turn back around and head back the same way you came. Usually I'm not a big fan of linear pathways and prefer looped trails but in this case there is so much scenery to take in, that doubling back isn't a chore.

 All in all this was another unexpectedly spectacular day trip even to someone who was born and raised in Halifax but had never been.  I recommend it to anyone who wants to see one of Nova Scotia's greatest coastal landscapes. You can snap some great photos, get back to your childhood rock climbing days, breathe in some fresh ocean air while getting top quality exercise....and end up with some fresh blueberry jam! 


For more detailed info on Duncan's Cove, visit my website.

My most recent outdoor excursion took place last weekend (March 21) in Enfield. Two friends and I had planned this trip for a week. The trip was to a very basic hunting camp in the middle of nowhere. The variables included in this trip were numerous and added a large element of the unknown to our adventure. The camp is located on logging land, and as such, may have joined its surrounding gifts from god in no longer existing. The hike was estimated to be about 15k, or about 3 hours, which made the prospect of our destination being a large clear cut not very appealing, but adventurous nonetheless.

We set out with basic supplies. Backpack including some extra warm clothes, food, water, fire starting gear, sleeping bag, liquor and other essentials. My pack wasn't as light as I would have liked for a 3 hour hike, but then again what I would have liked was to have a pack that defied Newton's Law, and only a couple of federal ones.

I had planned a route through the use of Google Maps, as well as conferencing with my brother who took me to the camp years ago. All was well planned, and supplemented with my extensive navigation skills which came in the form of a GPS system. With my Ziploc bag full of google maps, and the coordinates of the camp punched into my GPS, we were set.

We entered the trail head at about 2:30pm, as prior commitments by one of us dictated this departure time. This was only now just a slight concern, as daylight savings time had kicked in recently, and we had that fact tucked into our back pocket.... as well as our map. If this had been the beginning to a horror movie, organ music would have begun playing, with an appropriate camera zoom into the back pocket containing the Ziploc bag full of maps.

After a tough 5 minute climb, we opted to take a well deserved break to get our bearings. Just as I figured, we had already walked a good half kilometer of our 15. Maybe we should cut this break short, I eventually figure, and we head out. "Do you have that map" I ask. "Yep, right here" my friend says, while confidently patting his back pants pocket providing a "you can kiss this for asking" emphasis. I think to myself that maybe that isn't the best spot for it, but this thought got about as much attention as we did from one of the many 4-wheelers that almost ran us over.

After another 15 minutes of walking, we reach a fork in the road, so we call for the map. The map that is no longer in the back pocket. The map that is causing increasing amounts of concern. The map that is now lost. "Where the hell is the map?! Oh my god, don't tell me...." accompanied by other barrages, our map carrier is now the most hated man in Enfield.

After a 20 minute zig-zag search pattern jog, our map carrier returns, with no map. Decision time. Do we go on, with no map, and only GPS coordinates and my recollection of what the maps looked like? I had told the others to look at the map before we started, so we wouldn't just be relying on my interpretations. You can guess that they did not do so, and you'd be correct. So, 3 young men in unfamiliar woods, looking for a destination that may no longer exist are faced with a decision. The decision came fairly easily: keep going.

While the smart thing may have been to turn back and try again another day, the smell of adventure had begun to increase exponentially, and spurred us into the unknown. As we hiked on, our fast pace matching the setting pace of the sun, we came to a crossroads, an area that was not familiar to me from the map, and where a decision had to be made, fast, before the sun went down. I picked up my cell phone, and called my brother, as a desperate lifeline call on a million dollar "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" question. "Which way do we go?" the conversation is as quick and to the point. We decide to head to the right and follow power lines, looking for a place to cross over to the left. We walk for a half hour, with the sun already set, and the radiating beams are all that remain of our hope. We are definitely going the wrong way, and we are 2 hours into the woods. Our adventure has come to it's turning point, and as our denial of the inevitable wears off, we quickly set out to find a good spot to camp out.

As we find our spot, just off of a logging road, the sun is now gone, and it is getting cold. Communicating telepathically now, we all head out to gather up fire wood. We converge on a spot, and start piling it on as if it were the fireplace in our living room. We throw a match on it, and there we have it, some smoke. After the smoke dies off, we are left with a wet pile of branches and 3 men who aren't sure if the smoke is coming from the branches or their ears as their tired brains struggle to figure out how to start a fire. After a skillful application of curse words, and some emergency fire starting gear I had packed, we had a fire. Our spirits rose with the flames, and we began to think this was actually going to be pretty nice night. A quick look at the stars, and the beer and rum in our backpacks instantly renewed our spirits. As I went around collecting pine bows to place underneath our sleeping bags, the fire began to go out. The large pile of small branches did not last even a fraction as long as planned. Spirits take a dive, and we realize this fire is going to be a lot more work than the one we sit infront of at Christmas drinking eggnog. With no axe, and no energy to use one, we are limited to finding dead wood that we can snap off. Normally on my hikes, half of the wood I see is dead, and I always think to myself what a shame it is, but on this occasion, we were in the middle of the healthiest forest on the face of the earth. Every tree was young, fresh, healthy, hydrated.... everything that we were not, at the moment.

The long hike had taken its toll on all of us. No one had the energy to use our Canadian tire flashlights to go searching around the dark woods for a small amount of dead wood. One of my friends had an army issued arctic sleeping bag, and he was quickly asleep. His snoring, combined with the bitter cold, and our "Dora The Explorer" brand sleeping bags ensured that the two of us remaining would not have an enjoyable night. As I broke out the rum, and my emergency blanket, I realized my best option was to stay awake all night, gathering firewood and staying as close to the fire as possible without becoming a part of it. I turned my portable speakers and Ipod on, to help distract myself from the situation (and ward off all of the hungry wolves that were encircling us in my imagination). As I took a moment to enjoy, I laid back and took in the amazingly vibrant night sky. The other two were awake at this time, enjoying a beer, chilled naturally. We sat there, quietly, attempting to enjoy the evening, when we hear a crunching noise, the same crunching noise you make when you walk through hard packed snow, a noise we were very familiar with, as we had been making it all day. As the noise grew, we became silent, to the point of collectively holding our breath. "We're 3 hours into the woods in the middle of nowhere right?" I ask myself. I check my watch, 1 am. I do some quick calculations in my head and determine that this situation is extremely frightening. "Hello!?" one of my friends says, as I mentally prepare myself. No response, the noise continues. "Hello, who's there?" he yells again, as I reach for my knife and prepare an evacuation plan into the woods, where I will hide until we find out who this madman is. Just as I'm about to jump into the woods, the noise stops. Contrary to being a relief, this ruins my plans as I wonder where the hell this person has gone, and what the hell we should do. Then it clicks, the Ipod, the speakers, there was no music playing during this time. I whisper "rewind to the end of that song". Sure enough, it is the end of a song, an outro obviously designed as a cruel joke for people stuck in the middle of the snowy woods 1 am.

After we all breathe a sigh of relief, we continue with our roles. One quickly reverts to snoring, the other to shivering, and me to tending the fire like it is the last one I will ever see. Soon enough, the moon makes its first appearance. It peaks over the horizon in a very bright crescent. It was an interesting sight I had not seen before and is a hard one to process during a bout of hypothermia. I could tell without looking at my watch that the sun was soon to follow. As morning arrived, the sense of relief was quickly challenged by the coat of ice that now covered everything. This was the coldest point of our adventure. We built the fire to its largest point, and put some food in our tin can to cook as we thawed out our boots and laces. Once we were warmed enough to the point where movement would not risk shattering our bones, we headed back out.

The trip out seemed to take us half as long, as our pace was double that of the way in. When we reached the car, the adventure was complete. This must be what it feels like to finish a marathon in Siberia. The adventure left us with a renewed sense of accomplishment, and a large list of things not to do. Lessons learned: bring a tent, a good sleeping bag, earplugs, and do not put your map in the back of your Calvin Klein's, the woods seem to find it insulting.