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 Experiences
-
Lewis Mountain
Aberdeen, Nova Scotia -
River Denys Mountain
River Denys, Nova Scotia -
Myles Doyle Falls
River Denys, Nova Scotia -
Whycocomagh Provincial Park
Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia -
Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins
Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia
Places to Stay Nearby
-
Fair Isle Motel
Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia -
Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins
Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia -
Keltic Quay
Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia -
Cabot Cove
South Side Whycocomagh Bay, Nova Scotia -
1A Cape Breton Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Orangedale, Nova Scotia