MacIntosh Brook Trail

Highlights

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Overview

Waterfall Season Selected Waterfall!

MacIntosh Brook Falls

Height: 6 m

Distance (one way): 900 m

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 35 m

Hiking Time: 31 minutes

Cellphone Coverage: No

National Park fees apply

Finding the Trailhead: Travelling on the Cabot Trail from Pleasant Bay towards Cape North, turn right at the sign pointing to the MacIntosh Brook Trail.  Park here and follow the signs to the trail.

Trailhead: 46º48’43.4”N, 60º46’03.4”W     Waterfall: 46º48’23.0”N, 60º45’34.7”W

The Hike: This is one of those easy and short hikes you can add to the end of you day or walk as a leg stretcher in the middle of a long drive around the Cabot Trail.  MacIntosh Brook has incised a hidden valley on the south side of the Grande Anse River valley.  Although the valley is approximately 5 km long, the waterfall is reached by an official trail of 1.8 km return trip.  The forest for the first few minutes is composed of softwoods but it quickly changes to a hardwood stand that last all the way to the fall.  After an easy hike with little elevation gain, the waterfall is reached by going over the brook with two wooden bridges located within sight of each other.

Enjoy a family-friendly, fairly level stroll along a babbling brook and through a mature hardwood forest with a picturesque waterfall at the end. Be serenaded by the songs of forest birds along this relaxing trail. You can even charge your vehicle at the EV charging stations near the trailhead while you hike.

Trailhead: MacIntosh Brook Campground and day use area

Significant Feature: Old growth Acadian forest, waterfall

Length: 1.7 km (1.1 mi) return

Hiking Time: 30–45 min

Elevation: 30–65 m (100–215 ft.)

Suitable for most skill levels. Uneven trail surface (exposed roots) in some places.
Trail Rating: Easy

GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.811806 Long: -60.767669

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.