North River Falls Provincial Park

North River Falls

Height: 30 m

Distance (one way): 9 km

Difficulty: Moderate (distance)

Elevation: 680 m

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Cellphone Coverage: No

***Please note that this trail has experienced serious degradation and should only be traversed by experienced hikers***

Finding the Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail northeast of Baddeck, drive to North River Bridge. On the east side of the bridge across the North River, turn onto Oregon Road and drive to the end where you will see the entrance to the North River Falls Provincial Park and the trailhead. Park here.

Trailhead: 46º19’05.6”N, 60º39’40.4”W     Waterfall: 46º2’13.76”N, 60º41’58.86”W

The Hike: The trailhead is marked with a sign where you parked. The trail at first is quite broad and well used. A little distance past the midpoint of the hike, the trail becomes a little more challenging. The valley narrows quite a lot, and the trail has been constructed in such a way that you need to need to cross several tributaries to the East Branch of the North River. Unfortunately, bridges on this section may be out of commission due to heavy ice flows in the spring. After a challenging hike, you are rewarded with a huge waterfall.

North River Wilderness Area straddles the North River valley, west of St. Anns Harbour, Victoria County. Expanded in 2015, this wilderness area protects more than 5,000 hectares of highland plateau, uplands and rugged river valley.

This area features outstanding examples of geological, fluvial and ecological processes. Mature-old deciduous forest ecosystems are found along the lower valley slopes, together with some hemlock. Pure hemlock stands also occur, such as the “Oregon site” (recognized by the International Biological Program), where tree ages range from regenerating seedlings to mature trees of over 190 years, with individuals reaching ages of over 250 year near the river. The higher elevation elevation areas support a more boreal forest of balsam fir and spruce, as well as wetlands and ponds.

Salmon in the North River are one of the few healthy and self-sustaining early-run sea winter stocks remaining in Nova Scotia. The river contains gravel spawning beds, deep holding pools, and the cold water conditions required by salmon.

The North River is well known as a regional recreation destination, especially for anglers and hikers.

Foot paths along North River have been used by generations of anglers travelling up and down the river to popular salmon pools. These trails meander beside the river for several kilometres, passing through fascinating river-side habitats and forests. They also provide scenic views of waterfalls, pools, and the steep slopes of the canyon ecosystem.

The well-known North River Falls Trail (9 km each way) follows the river valley to the base of North River Falls. At over 32 metres, this is reputed to be the highest falls in the province. Other hiking opportunities on unmanaged trail are found in the south west of the area, where a day hike to the top of Bald Mountain is rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding wilderness area and countryside.

Guests at Ski Tuonela, near Goose Cove, can enjoy backcountry skiing within North River Wilderness Area, to the look-off at Bald Mountain.

The expanded wilderness area includes the small, former North River Provincial Park, including the trail head of the North River Falls hiking trail. This trail head is a major access point for angling and hiking and will continue to be maintained for public access and enjoyment.

The wilderness area extends to the western side of the forest access road from Oregon to the highlands (off-highway vehicle trail #814). This road can be used to access the wilderness area. Road conditions may be poor.

About 600 m of electrical transmission line passes through the southeastern part of the wilderness area. Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) retains the authority to operate and maintain this transmission line.