MacIntosh Brook Campground
Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish Beach
Part of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, MacIntosh Brook Campground is nestled in the Grande Anse Valley, a hardwood valley b...
Salt Mountain Trail
Length: 9.5 km (5.9 mi) return
Hiking Time: 3+hr
Type of Trail: natural surface
Uses (no snow): walking
Uses (snow): snowshoeing
Facilities: outhouses, water, picnic tables, benches, camping, firewood, cooking shelters, interpretive panels, garbage canns
Dog Uses: on-leash required
Gov’t Topo Map: 11F14 (Whycocomagh)
Rating (1-5): 4 [steepness, rugged terrain, navigation]]
Trailhead GPS Reference: N 45 57” 59.0’ W 61 06” 18.2
Access Information: From the Canso Causeway, drive 50 km (31 mi) toward Sydney on Highway 105. Turn left onto Provincial Park Road. The trailhead is just after the campground entrance, about 500m/yd, opposite the Department of Natural Resources district office.
Introduction: Meaning “Head of the Waters,” Whycocomagh is the Mi’kmaq word for the area surrounding Salt Mountain, and a large First Nations community lives across the bay from the park. Settled in 1812 by Highland Scots, the new community retained its “Whycocomagh” name despite the colonists’ nostalgic fondness for reminders of their past, as Cape Breton place-names such as Glencoe, Skir Dhu, and Loch Lomond suggest.
The Salt Mountain Trail is a short, but challenging, walk, for the summit is 230 m (750 ft) above Bras d’Or Lake, requiring a steep climb indeed. This trail’s proximity to Highway 105 makes it a pleasant diversion for those passing by who want to stretch their legs and enjoy a marvelous view. Hiking just the Highlander and Salt Mountain trails is about 3.5 km (2.2 mi): tough but worthwhile.
Adding the Scout Trail more than doubles the distance, and because of the rugged, hilly terrain, more than doubles the effort required. This section is not recommended for novices.
Cautionary Notes: Wildlife. Steep climbs. Cliffs. Rugged terrain. Ticks.
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.
Nearby Things To Do
Cabot Trail Vacations RV Cottages
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Chéticamp
Our RV Cottages are set directly on the world famous Cabot Trail just 5 minute walk from the ocean and a 5 minute drive from the beautiful s...
Blackbird Retreat and Tours
We offer a truly authentic and exceptionally peaceful experience that will have you wanting to come back again. Located in the ...
Kiju's Restaurant
Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail
Community: Membertou
The word “Kiju” meaning mother, reflects the traditional role of Mi’kmaq women who were the firekeepers who nourished our fami...
Main Street Restaurant and Bakery
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish
Main Street Restaurant and Bakery specializes in fresh seafood and Italian food, especially pastas. We serve everything from fresh lobster, ...
Vollmer's Island Paradise - Diving
Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast
Community: West Arichat
Hwy 104, Exit 46, 12 km (7.5 mi) to Janvrin Island. Wreck diving, Safe Air/Nitrox, rebreather diving, ANDI Facility CMAS, night dives, UW-Fo...
Related Stories
A nice steady climb along a well-worn path, Ben Eoin Trail leads you through large old Birch and Beech trees. At the top of the small mountain, the look-off offers views of East Bay of the Bras d’Or Lakes like no other. The 1.7 KM hike starts at the
Continue Reading
We all need some motivation to leave the house, put our boots on and hit the trails. Some do it to stay in shape, some do it to meet fellow hikers and some do it just to reconnect with Mother Nature.
Continue Reading
Looking for somewhere to eat this fall in Cape Breton? Looking for an authentic experience or simply want to try some locally inspired dishes? Here is a culinary guide for your fall trip to Cape Breton that will have you coming back again and again!
Continue Reading
Many marvel at the breathtaking views Cape Breton has in the summertime, but have you ever truly appreciated unwinding in our gorgeous winter? These snowy escapes could become your new favourite way to recharge this season.
Continue Reading
It's no secret that Cape Bretoners have an accent. The accent can sometimes take on a gaelic sound and sometimes can sound a kin to a Newfoundland accent. Either way our accent is a part of our identity and no doubt a part of our charm.
Continue Reading
Looking for a great way to spend your long weekend on Cape Breton Island? Chéticamp will wow you! Let two local ambassadors, Jeremy Smith of CB West Paddle Boards and Napoleon Chiasson, one of our Acadian cultural ambassadors, guide you!
Continue Reading
Some incredibly talented creators are sharing their Cape Breton Island outdoor adventures! Take a look through their lens to see what adventures can happen in this special place,
Continue Reading
Cape Breton is filled with incredible natural places. It's home to meandering rivers, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and scenic lakes. These locations are beautiful in every season but they really shine in the fall.
Continue Reading
There’s no need to break the bank when you’re looking to fill up a fun day on the Island. Here are just a few of the many options available to keep you and your family entertained this winter without spending the big bucks.
Continue Reading
Cape Breton is becoming one of the most sought after locations to Instagram in Canada. Use our hashtag #FallforCapeBreton to be entered into a great get away package!
Continue Reading