One trail winds through the countryside, while another runs along high sea cliffs: the hiking trails in Kings County offer very different experiences. Cape Split is a moderate hike, while viewpoints, forested areas and trails with other activities appeal to different interests. When planning, you can consider not only the route but also the landscape and type of trail you’d like to experience.
From out-and-back routes to sweeping views
Cape Split is listed as approximately 13.2 kilometres round trip. The hike is moderate and leads through the countryside. At the Blomidon Hiking Trails, however, the figure refers to a trail network: the interconnected trails total 13.5 kilometres and provide access to different habitats and viewpoints. The two figures therefore describe different kinds of routes—not an out-and-back hike in one case, but the total length of an entire network in the other.
The sea cliffs take centre stage on the Jodrey Trail. The trail runs along cliffs that are 183 metres high and offers several viewpoints overlooking the Minas Basin. Local hiking experiences therefore differ not only in route type or difficulty: the views of habitats and landscapes also shape what you can discover along the way.
Forest trails and other ways to get active
The Acadia Nature Trail runs through a forested area north of Acadia University. Information along the trail adds to the walk. By contrast, the Reservoir Park Trail combines sweeping views with several specific features: from there, you can see Cape Blomidon and the Minas Basin; there is also an unsupervised beach at a pond and access to the Millennium Trail.
The Stronach Park & Fitness Trail is an easy loop through the forest with several fitness stations. Those looking for activities beyond hiking will find them on the trails at The Gorge, where you can walk, hike, mountain bike, cross-country ski and snowshoe. The options range from a designated loop with fitness stations to several trails that accommodate different activities.
Forest scenery and walking trails
Kentville Ravine is home to old-growth hemlock forest. The trails there are used by recreational hikers and naturalists. This gives the ravine a nature-watching dimension as well as a hiking one: both groups use the same trails, but bring different interests to the landscape.
The Waterville Recreation Club provides the public with 17 acres of meadow and forest, with walking trails and an off-leash dog park. The offering is clearly defined: it includes both walking trails and a designated dog park. When choosing an outing that suits you, you can weigh these different features—a hike with a stated distance, a trail network with viewpoints, an easy loop, or grounds with walking trails and a dog park.
Discover more destinations: Wolfville, Canning, Kentville, Kingston, Coldbrook, Greenwood, New Minas, Grand Pré, Aylesford, Centreville, Berwick, Port Williams.
For the main travel overview: Nova Scotia.
