Hike, bike, snowmobile, ATV....we have trails for all users close by!
We are Located on The TransCanada Trail
Explore part of the longest recreational trail in the world! Hike, ski, snowshoe, cycle, or ride in the wilderness on the The TransCanada Trail. From our location you can head south down the rolling mountain side to the village of Whycocomagh, or head north to Lake Ainslie and on to Inverness on a series of back country forestry roads and marked trails.
Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) 104 Trail and 409 Trail
The groomed SANS Cape Clear 104 Trail passes through the Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins property from Hwy 365 up over the Whale's back ridge, this meets with the groomed SANS 409/The TransCanada Trail (from Whycocomagh) at our Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins property. Ride the back country right up to the edge of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park or out to the coast at Inverness or over Campbell and River Denys Mountains all the way to Port Hastings. With so much trail to ride, the big question will be which direction to explore! The stunning Cape Clear look off would be an excellent day trip via snowmobile.
Don't forget to purchase your trail permit. Visit the SANS website for more details.
You can purchase the GPS data for the SANS network on TrakMaps.
A .pdf map for Zone 1 is made available on the SANS website here.
Local Hiking Trails
Salt Mountain
From Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins we can see the top of Salt Mountain. This provincial park has several trails. Between sites #12 and #13 you will find a short creekside trail where you will see Nova Scotia's only totem pole. This trail comes out near site #20. The Scout Trail begins in this area as well. There are 3 marked trails that lead to spectacular look offs from the top of Salt Mountain. The park brochure says:
Follow the yellow markers for Trail No. 1, The Highlander (894 m [.5 mi.]) which begins at the parking lot near the administration building. The trail is short, yet steep in places, as it ascends to join the Salt Mountain Trail at 120 m above sea level.
Near site # 49 you can begin Trail No. 2, the Salt Mountain Trail (1.3 km [0.8 mi.]) which is designated by blue markers.This looped trail provides a steep climb to the top of the mountain. Enjoy three viewpoints at the summit.
For a real workout, join Trail No. 3, the Scout Trail (2.0 km [1.2 mi]) at site # 27. Follow the red markers as this steep backcountry trail travels along the valley and then snakes up over rocks and boulders along the slope of the mountain to join the Salt Mountain Trail at the summit.Don’t miss the two viewpoints along the mountain ridge. Truly an“eagle’s eye” view.
The park also includes a waterside picnic and day use park. A great spot to have lunch and sit by the waters of the Bras d'Or, its only about 5km from our location.
Skye River Trail - We’koqma’q
Hike across Whycocomagh mountain and down to the Skye River Trail to appreciate the local culture and connection:
Located in We’koqma’q, the Skye River Trail gives those who visit a feeling of serenity and spirituality.
We are proud of our heritage and extremely proud to welcome you to the Skye River Trail. Stroll through the woods with our experienced and knowledgeable guides, hear the peaceful sound of the river flowing and relax in nature.
Feel the serenity that surrounds you here as you embrace your surroundings and hear the stories told by and about the Mi’kmaq people.
Be sure to stop at the “Tree of a Thousand Faces”…and feel the mystery. Look for eagles soaring above, watching for their daily catch in the sparkling waters of the river. Enjoy your time with us and please come back again."
Learn more on the We'koqma'q site: https://visitwekoqmaq.ca/skye-river-trail/
Uisge Ban Falls - Provincial Park
This is a family and dog friendly (leash required) hike, located about 35 minutes from Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins.
"Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park is a 1.5-hour round trip hike to a spectacular waterfall on Cape Breton Island, 14.5 km (9 mi) north of Baddeck (Highway 105, Exit 9). A 1.5-km (1-mi) trail leads to this spectacular 15-m (50-ft) waterfall in a granite gorge. A 2-km (1.5-mi) trail follows the North Branch River with beautiful hardwood stands along the cliffs. Parking, picnic tables (some with shelters) and vault toilets are on site."
For more information visit: https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/outdoor-activities/uisge-b-n-falls-provincial-park/2019
Eygpt Falls
One of Cape Breton's most photographed waterfalls can be accessed from the back country roads north of Iron Mountain Wilderness Cabins, or via Highway 395, as the Waterfalls of Nova Scotia blog describes:
Originally named Appin Falls, after the Stewart family of Appin, Scotland, who settled near the falls in the 1800s; Egypt Falls is also referred to as "Pipers Glen Falls". An oddity amongst Nova Scotia waterfalls, these falls are some sixty feet in breadth while only being twenty-five feet high.
[From Whycocomagh Mountain Road, turn right onto Highway 105, through the village to the intersection with the flashing light, turn right] onto HWY395 towards Margaree. Travel approximately 31 km to Upper Margaree, then turn right onto Egypt Road. Follow this road approximately 2km, watching for a small house with a red roof. Across from this is Pipers Glen Road, with a tiny white bridge visible. Drive up that road exactly .9 km and keep watch for a small white and blue sign on your right side for Egypt falls. The trail head is marked with an orange post.
Trail Description: From the trailhead the path follows a steep downhill trend under a thick canopy of trees. Much of the path is criss-crossed with exposed tree roots and boulders, some creating natural stairwells. The trail is well used, and easy to follow. The last 250 metres of the trail follows switchbacks down a rock wall before dropping you into the canyon below the falls. To assist in the steep descent into the canyon the trail is lined with climbing rope hand rails."
Note: The falls are on private property. Use respectfully!
