5 Picture Perfect (Easy!) Fall Hikes

If you’re looking to get out and explore nature this fall on Cape Breton Island, but aren’t ready to commit to a long and difficult hike, these five trails are meant for you! With the colourful leaves and crisp autumn air, fall is the perfect time to get out and hike around the Island. For those who might hike up an appetite, we’ve included nearby places to eat. Enjoy finding your picture perfect hike this fall!

1. Gypsum Mines Trail

The Gypsum Mine Trail is a 2.6 kilometre out and back trail, located in Chéticamp. To get to the Mines, it is only a simple 20-minute hike, that will lead you to a beautiful, secret swimming spot. At the top of the ridge, you go in between two small hills and into the secret swimming spot: an old gypsum quarry. Here you can spend your time picture taking, adventuring through the cliffs, or jumping into the beautiful pool of water!

Pro tip: Make sure to hike up only a few minutes to the top cliff, to get that picturesque shot overlooking the Mines! 

Nearby Place to Eat: L’abri Cafe, Restaurant et Bar

2. Uisge Ban Falls

Uisge Ban Falls is the perfect way to spend time exploring and admiring fall colours. This short trail leads through incredible forest scenery to a two level, towering waterfall. The journey here is just as incredible as the waterfall

Nearby Place to Eat: The Highwheeler Café

3. Lower North River Falls

Located in St. Ann’s Bay along North River, these falls are a true fall hidden gem. From where you park look for the trail on the left (south) of the parking lot. The trail begins with a gentle descent to the river and then follows the river for a few hundred metres. The trail has had some washouts closer to the waterfalls but is still easily traversable. Keep an eye on the trail as it can be easy to miss, especially on your way out.

Nearby Place to Eat: The Clucking Hen

4. Coxheath Mountain

This 10.3 kilometre trail starts off with a fairly steep climb up a mountain face. Just over halfway up there is a nice waterfall and bench for you to catch your breath if needed. Most of the trail is wide and surfaced in crushed stone, making it suitable for most walkers, even though the first few hundred metres require a fairly intense climb up the hillside. To access the trail  take Exit 5A on Highway 125 and drive south on Coxheath Road for 6 km until you it intersects with Blacketts Lake Road. Turn right into parking area between Knox United Church and community hall.

Nearby Place to Eat:: The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse 

5. Le Buttereau Trail

This self-guiding trail explores mixed Acadian forests, old fields, and foundation ruins on a “buttereau” (small hill) overlooking the Chéticamp River and Gulf of St. Lawrence. The trailhead is located along the Cabot Trail opposite the Grande Falaise picnic area. This is only a short hike, totalling 1.6 km in length, taking between thirty to forty minutes to complete. Wildflowers, trees, and shrubs have invaded these pastures that were once tilled by the Acadian pioneers, making it an ideal spot for birds and small mammals.

Nearby Place to Eat: The Doryman Pub & Grill

There you are—five easy hikes, each with breathtaking views to add to your Cape Breton fall bucket list! Fall really is the best time to get out and explore the Island, where you can enjoy the changing leaves and the crisp autumn air. Whatever your experience level, these fall hikes are lots of fun!