Egypt Falls

Length: 12 km (7.5 mi) return
Hiking Time: 4+hr
Type of Trail: natural surface, compacted earth
Uses (no snow): walking, biking*, horseback riding*, ATVs*
Uses: (snow): snowshoeing, snowmobiles*
Facilities: none
Dog Use: off-leash permitted

Gov’t Topo Map: 11K03 (Lake Ainslie)
Rating (1-5): 4 [steepness]

Trailhead GPS Reference: N 46 11” 46.4’ W61 07” 27.2’

Access Information: At Exit 5 of Highway 105 in Whycocomagh, turn onto Highway 252. Follow for 3.7 km (2.3 mi), keeping right on Highway 395. Continue 27 km (16.9 mi), turning right onto Egypt Road. Follow dirt road for 2.2 km (1.4 mi) to junction with the Pipers Glen Road. Turn right; follow this narrow dirt road for 900m/yd, mostly uphill. When the road turns left and starts to descend, watch carefully on your right for a path. In 2011, it was marked with pink flagging tape. Park on the road.

Introduction: Egypt Falls, one of the most attractive waterfalls on Cape Breton Island, is also one of the more difficult to visit. Although it is scarcely 500 m/yd from the road, the descent is about 120 m (400 ft), some of it nearly vertical and requiring assistance from ropes tied to trees. I do not recommend this for young children or people who with mobility issues.

The road through Pipers Glen was active until relatively recently. However, beyond Cooper Brook no buildings remain, and grass is starting to cover the treadway. As a result, this is an easy, pleasant walk through a deserted valley that skirts the southern fringe of Gairloch Mountain, the southernmost section of the Highlands Terrestrial theme region. Most of the land in the valley is private property. The crown right-of-way is restricted to very little space on either side of the road. Please stay on the trail.

As with many similar valleys in Cape Breton, busy farms once lined these hills. The original settlers, around 1843, were Roy McLennan from Eigg, Scotland, Hugh Stewart from Moidart, and Lauchlin Jamison from the isle of Canna. Pipers Glen received its name to mark the prowess of Lauchlin’s son, Neil Jamison, who earned local fame for his piping skills.

Cautionary Notes: Wildlife. Hunting permitted. No signage. Near the base of Egypt Falls ropes are required to descend the steep slope. Footing is extremely poor and often slippery. Cell Phone reception not reliable after first kilometre or close to Egypt Falls.

Ratings are designated from 1 to 5 indicating suitability for all fitness and experience levels, with 5 being suitable only for experienced and very fit outdoor people. Novices should only choose level 1 and 2 hikes, and work their way up. Level 4 and 5 hikes have indicators associated with their ratings.