Discover the Cape Mabou Highlands Trail System

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island lies the Cape Mabou Highlands—a natural paradise waiting to be explored. With its diverse landscape of lush forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking coastal vistas, this hidden gem offers outdoor enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.

Exploring the Trails

The Cape Mabou Highlands Trail System boasts a variety of trails, each offering its own unique experience. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s the complete list of trails waiting to be explored:

  • MacKinnon’s Brook Trail: Embark on a 4 km moderate-grade hike alongside shoreline cliffs, offering wonderful views of the coastline.
  • MacKinnon’s Brook Lane: Traverse 4 km along a traveled road, experiencing terrain ranging from level to hilly.
  • MacEachen Trail: Connect Cape Mabou to Sight Point on this 6.4 km trail, featuring a gradual descent into Sight Point.
  • Fair Alistair’s Trail: Start at Mabou Mines trailhead and enjoy a 3 km hike with a beautiful lookout at the top.
  • Highland Forest Trail: Connect MacEachen to Beinn Bhiorach Mountain on this 1.5 km trail.
  • Beinn Bhiorach (Steep Mt) Trail: Take on the challenge of a 1.8 km steep ascent trail, offering beautiful views towards Prince Edward Island.
  • Bear Trap Trail: Enjoy a 2.8 km trail through a hardwood valley, connecting to the MacEachen Trail at the top.
  • Oak Ridge Trail: Connect MacKinnon’s Brook Trail to Beinn Bhiorach on this 1.7 km trail, featuring a fairly steep ascent with nice views towards Margaree Island.
  • Scree Path: Take the short 300 m cutoff trail to Oak Ridge.
  • Poet’s Ridge: Use this trail to access Enchanted Valley and MacEachen Trails. This trail, while not cleared, is marked. Watch for poison ivy.
  • Enchanted Valley: Ascend into a beautiful hardwood glen towards Beinn Bhiorach on this 2 km trail, accessed via Poet’s Ridge.
  • MacArthur Trail: Follow a fairly steep trail along a ridge from MacKinnon’s Brook to Edge of the Valley or MacEachen Trails.
  • Edge of the Valley Trail: Connect MacKinnon’s Brook Lane to MacArthur Trail and beyond, offering beautiful hardwood forest views.
  • Highland Link: Take the 300 m shortcut trail between MacArthur and MacEachen Trails.
  • Rocky Hillside Trail: Experience a very steep route from MacKinnon’s Brook to Oak Ridge Trail near Beinn Bhiorach. This trail is not cleared.
  • MacPhee Trail: Follow the beautiful hardwood trail from the lower end of MacKinnon’s Brook Lane, ending as it joins up with Fair Alistair’s Trail.
  • Beaton Trail: Begin at the lower end, just up from the junction of MacKinnon’s Brook Lane and Trail, and enjoy a steep climb with a great view at the top.

Getting There

To access the Cape Mabou Highlands Trail System, follow these directions:

  • From the town of Mabou, head northeast on Ceilidh Trail/Nova Scotia Trunk 19 N toward SW Ridge Rd for approximately 1.0 km.
  • Turn left onto Mabou Harbour Rd and continue for 4.9 km.
  • Turn right onto Mabou Mines Rd and continue for 3.6 km.
  • Continue straight to stay on Mabou Mines Rd for 2.3 km.
  • Slight right to stay on Mabou Mines Rd for 1.6 km.
  • Continue onto Broad Cove Banks Rd. The destination will be on the right.

Parking is available at various trailheads along Broad Cove Banks Rd. Follow the signage at each trailhead to access the specific trail you wish to explore.

As you journey towards the Cape Mabou Highlands Trail System, you’ll encounter a cozy retreat—the Northeast Cove Geodomes. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Cape Breton Island, these eco-friendly domes offer a peaceful getaway. Conveniently located along the trail route, they’re the perfect spot to extend your adventure and relax in nature’s embrace.

For more information and trail maps, visit the Cape Mabou Highlands Trails.