North River Kayak Tours
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: North River Bridge
For over 20 years, we have been providing award-winning kayaking experiences around Cape Breton Island. Located on the Cabot Trail, we offer...
Branch Pond Look-off Trail
The trail explores Acadian, boreal and taiga land regions and leads to a viewpoint offering an impressive view of the Atlantic coast and the park interior plateau, with Cape Smokey and Cape North appearing as miniature mountains in the distance.
Trailhead: Turn off the Cabot Trail at the Warren Brook warden’s station and follow the Mary Ann Falls road for about 6 km to the small parking area.
Significant Feature: Highland plateau, barrens
Length: 8.4 km (5.2 mi) return
Hiking Time: 3 hours (2–2.5 hours return, to first viewpoint)
Elevation: 100–305 m (330–1000 ft.)
Gentle climb. Rugged sections.
Trail Rating: Moderate
GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.753010 Long: -60.364957
Park is open year-round but full visitor services are only
available from mid-May until mid-October. A park pass is required for hiking or use of other services in the park; park entry fee applies. Check in at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Chéticamp (16 Visitor Centre Rd., situated on the west side of the park) or in Ingonish (37637 Cabot Trail, on the east side of the park) to obtain passes, information on visitor safety and any other information you may need, including a trail location map.
For your comfort and safety:
– Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.
– Take along appropriate clothing – rapid weather changes often occur on the plateau or along the coast.
– Carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens.
– Bring insect repellent as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.
– Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.
– Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation.
– Do not throw food or scraps along the trails or roads.
– Read “Keep it Wild, Keep it Safe” brochure, available at park visitor centres.
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