Broad Cove Trail

Length:   12 km (7.5 mi) return
Hiking Time:   3+hr
Type of Trail:   compacted earth
Uses (no snow):   walking, biking, horseback riding, ATVs
Uses (snow):   snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling
Facilities:   none
Dog Use:   off-leash permitted

Gov't Topo Map:   11K06 (Margaree)
Rating (1-5):   3

Trailhead GPS Reference:   N 46 15” 20.8’ W 61 16” 06.0’

Access Information: From Beach Village Road in Inverness, drive approximately 3.5 (2.25 mi) north along Highway 19. Turn left onto the Broad Cove Marsh Road. Continue 1 km (.6 mi) to St. Margaret’s of Scotland Church, where pavement ends. Park here and start walking along the dirt road.

Introduction: In 1809 Duncan MacLeod arrived from mainland Nova Scotia and began to work land near the mouth of Murdocks Brook. In 1832 he had his property formally granted to him by the government. Today the MacLeod family is still very much in evidence in the Inverness area, running campgrounds, cottages, and restaurants.

Listed in Walk Cape Breton (1975) as the Broad Cove Chapel – Marsh Point Trail, a coastal hike for people uninterested in a rugged or tiring walk, this route follows a seldom-used dirt road. It is quite scenic; the vista south from Gillis Mountain, along the Inverness shore to the Mabou Highlands, is splendid - the best south of Highlands National Park. And the view from the wharf at Broad Cove Marsh is an equally impressive.

If you visit on the last Sunday of July, you will be able to take in the Broad Cove Scottish Concert, the largest of its kind on Cape Breton Island, and held on the grounds of St Margaret’s Church continuously since 1957.

Cautionary Notes: Expect the occasional car. Cell phone coverage is good, except for some dead spots on the slopes of Beatons Mountain.

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.