North River Falls Hike in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Do you need to discover Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall? For those who’re on the lookout for a rugged and difficult day journey, North River Falls could possibly be simply the factor. Be ready, although — you’re in for some tough terrain. This isn’t a newbie route. Hold studying to see what I imply.

North River Falls is Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall!

Again in June, I ventured out to North River Falls Provincial Park and Wilderness Space to find the province’s tallest waterfall. I couldn’t wait to discover extra of Cape Breton Island. As one of many longer day hikes round, North River Falls provided the prospect to trek alongside the North River valley and Cape Breton Highlands plateau. I used to be ready for early season situations (moist, muddy, and chilly) and cherished the extra problem of technical sections — together with two river crossings and navigating slippery riverbanks.

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About North River Falls Path

North River Falls is 32 metres / 104 ft excessive.

Location: Close to St. Anns, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Distance: 18 km out and again
Problem: Troublesome
Elevation: 350 metre elevation acquire
Time: 5 – 7 hours
Household-Pleasant: Not really useful for younger youngsters. Not stroller-friendly.
Canine-friendly: Sure, however canines ought to stay on a leash.
Options: The North River Falls hike consists of various and tough terrain resulting in what’s known as Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall. The start is comparatively straightforward and turns into progressively tougher towards the falls.

Heads Up: North River Falls Path is formally closed attributable to flood injury and will solely be tried by skilled hikers. For those who’re contemplating the trek to North River Falls, make sure to do your analysis and put together earlier than heading out.

Lovely view of North River in Cape Breton Highlands plateau.

North River Falls Path Map

Instructions to North River Falls Trailhead

First parking space at North River Falls Provincial Park.

For those who’re coming from Baddeck, head north towards St. Anns and switch onto the Cabot Path. Drive for about 18 kilometres, crossing the North River Bridge, after which flip left onto Oregon Highway. Comply with Oregan Rd for about 4 km to the very finish and discover the doorway to North River Falls Provincial Park. Don’t fear, you’ll be able to’t miss it. Park right here and begin the trek. You’ll find instructions on Google Maps — however cell service is proscribed.

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Second parking space is nearer to the trailhead.

North River Falls — Tallest Nova Scotia Waterfall!

A picket footbridge close to the start.

The start of the North River Falls hike is pretty simple. After a steep climb, flip left onto an outdated cart street constructed by Scottish settlers. You’ll be able to discover remnants of the settlement on this well-trodden trailway. It’s a simple and gradual stroll by the forest initially — however will be fairly moist in June. I wore my Altra Path Runners. For those who’re on the lookout for a simple route, you could possibly at all times hike the primary few kilometres after which flip round. Not a foul possibility for path working both. Moose tracks and droppings have been frequent alongside the best way. For those who come throughout a moose, give them a number of area.

As you proceed on, flood injury turns into apparent with important riverbank erosion. After about 7 km, the earlier path results in the eroded riverbank — don’t go down right here. I counsel heading left by the timber and approaching the river crossing beneath. You have to to cross the river twice to achieve North River Falls. I crossed in naked ft however you might desire water footwear. River crossings could turn into extra hazardous relying on the time of yr and water movement. Proceed with warning, pals. Trekking poles may additionally be helpful for additional steadiness. After the river crossings, comply with the riverbank alongside tough terrain with rocks, roots, and slippery trails. North River Falls is actually a worthwhile reward!

Word: I don’t suggest North River Falls for novice hikers. Guests require a stage of health and mountaineering skills to achieve the waterfall safely. Proceed at your individual danger.

Have you ever seen a moose monitor earlier than?
Some path tape marks the best way.
A pleasant relaxation spot beside North River.
Crossing North River in early June.
North River Falls up forward.
Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall!

Know Earlier than You Go

North River Falls Path is formally closed. Hike at your individual danger.

Path Closure: It’s vital to notice that North River Falls is formally closed. The Cape Breton Island web site states, “Please observe that this path has skilled severe degradation and will solely be traversed by skilled hikers.”

Parking: Ample parking close to the entrance gate or subsequent to the trailhead.

Charge: No parking or park entrance charge.

Rest room: Outhouse bogs can be found within the park. Deliver a trowel and dig a gap if nature calls if you’re mountaineering. Study extra right here.

Swimming: There are numerous swimming pools alongside North River and a fair-sized pool on the backside of North River Falls. Swim at your individual danger.

Wildlife: Cape Breton Island is house to a wide range of wildlife, together with moose, coyote, and black bear. By no means feed wild animals, and hold your distance. Anglers should not permitted to fish for salmon in North River to guard one of many few wholesome and self-sustaining early-run salmon populations in Nova Scotia.

Security: Try to be self-sufficient for this trek. Deliver a small first-aid package with necessities. I like to recommend finishing a wilderness first support course earlier than heading into the backcountry. Cell service is proscribed. Take into account bringing a satellite tv for pc communications gadget (like Zoleo) with an SOS characteristic in case of an emergency.

Navigation: The primary a part of the path is simple to navigate, with indicators and path markers (flagging tape) to assist hold you on monitor. It’s best to have some trail-finding abilities. I used the AllTrails map for navigation. Deliver an additional battery pack, too.

Go away No Hint: Are you aware learn how to apply Go away No Hint within the backcountry? Learn up earlier than heading out!

No salmon fishing right here.

What To Deliver

Deliver a day pack with mountaineering necessities.

I counsel carrying a day pack (I really like this one) with mountaineering necessities inside. You want a minimum of one litre of water (try this Nalgene) and may at all times deliver purification tablets. Completely satisfied hikers don’t have grumbling bellies — carry a number of snacks simply in case (have you ever tried these? Tasty!). Regardless of the climate, I at all times carry a rain shell and some additional layers. I wish to have a Buff to maintain my head heat. Mountaineering poles aren’t a foul concept both. For security, I carry a small first-aid package and a Zoleo communications gadget.

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Purify or filter river water.