Corney Brook Falls and Trail

Highlights

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Overview

Waterfall Season Selected Waterfall!

Corney Brook Falls

Height: 9 m

Distance (one way): 3.1 km

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 140 m

Hiking Time: 1 hours

Cellphone Coverage: No

National Park fees apply

Finding the Trailhead: Drive north on the Cabot Trail from the bridge over the Chéticamp River for 10.2 km towards Pleasant Bay. This will take you into the west side of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Park on the left at the entrance to the Corney Brook Campground. The trail head is on the opposite side of the highway.

Trailhead: 46º43’29.7”N, 60º55’31.0”W     Waterfall: 46º43’13.6”N, 60º53’36.1”W

The Hike: From where you parked, cross the highway and start walking on the trail. The forest on the left is mixed hardwoods while evergreens dominate the right side. This pleasant walk contains a few small sections of elevation gain and loss but nothing substantial. A small footbridge is reached within 1.36 km after setting off and is a scenic halfway point to the falls. Toward the end of the hike, there are two bridges that take you to the opposite side of the brook before returning. The trail ends at the foot of the two-tiered 9 m waterfall.

Follow a meandering brook through a hardwood forest to a small waterfall that marks the end of the trail. You are actually in a box river canyon – there is only one way out! Keep a watch out for wildlife – a variety of birds, snowshoe hare or maybe even a moose. Local Acadians know this brook as “Rivière à Lazare”.

Trailhead: Across from the Corney Brook Campground

Significant Feature: Acadian forest river canyon, waterfalls

Length: 6.5 km (4 mi) return.

Hiking Time: 2 hours

Elevation: 30–170 m (100–560 ft.)

Suitable for most skill levels. Cliffs along river edge near beginning of trail.
Trail Rating: Easy

GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.725580 Long: -60.924757
Open from mid-May to 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 designated trails and 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 and on the Parks Canada website.

– Recreational drone use is prohibited within the national park for the safety of wildlife and other visitors.