Cobequid Trail

Cobequid Trail: Explore an 18-km trail network on foot or bicycle in central Colchester County,  “where the bay runs far up”.

The Cobequid Trail is an 18-kilometre network of walking and cycling trails in central Colchester County, at the head of the Bay of Fundy. Explore woodland paths and shaded brooks. Follow the rail trail through farmland and Acadian dykelands beside the tidal Salmon River and watch the tidal bore when it arrives twice daily. Discover We’kwampekitk (the Mi’kmaq name for the Truro area), which means “the bay runs far up”.

The Cobequid Trail is great for bicycling, long distance running, leisurely walks and wildlife viewing. The trail has numerous rest areas with benches and picnic tables to enjoy the views.

Trail use: Walking, cycling and snowshoeing are permitted. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Dogs on leash are permitted; please clean up after your dog.
Trail map: Available on www.colchester.ca/cobequid-trail
Trail surface: Most of the trail has hardpacked, crushed gravel; a few, short sections are paved.

Trailheads: Multiple trailheads with parking and trail information kiosks provide easy access to the trail. Access the trail here:

• Old Barns trailhead, 919 Shore Road, Old Barns
• Cobequid Bay Lookoff trailhead, 3471 Highway 236, Lower Truro
• Lower Truro trailhead, 4057 Highway 236, Lower Truro
• Fundy Discovery Site trailhead, 103 Tidal Bore Road, Lower Truro (under development)
• Will-Kare trailhead, 105 Lower Truro Road, Lower Truro
• Truro trailhead, 202 Willow Street, Truro
• Eagle Crest trailhead, 39 Warren Drive, Bible Hill
• Farnham Brook trailhead, 36 Village Court, Bible Hill
• Bible Hill Recreation Park trailhead, 38 Guest Drive, Bible Hill

Bicycle repair station locations:

• Old Barns trailhead, 919 Shore Road, Old Barns
• Fundy Discovery Site, 103 Tidal Bore Road, Lower Truro

Highlights:

Rail trail section (Old Barns, Lower Truro, Truro)
11-km of continuous trail between Truro and Old Barns is part of the Blue Route provincial cycling network and the Trans Canada Trail. Travel along the former Dominion Atlantic Railway, a railway built in 1898 and operated until 1982. Enjoy views of the Salmon River, Cobequid Bay, saltmarshes and dykes. Watch for migratory birds on the marshlands and mudflats. Time your visit to see the tidal bore! (Tidal bore times are available at fundydiscovery.ca).

Trail grade: Mostly flat, with very few slight inclines
Public washrooms: Old Barns (year-round; 600 m east of Shore Road), Fundy Discovery Site (year-round)
About the route
From the east end, the trail begins at King Street near the Nova Scotia Community College in Truro, crosses McClure’s Brook, and passes by the Truro Golf Course and an industrial area. Continuing west, the trail passes by marshlands, Acadian dykes and farmland in Lower Truro. A paved spur trail (parallel to Highway 236) heads east toward Tidal Bore Road and the Fundy Discovery Site.

From Lower Truro, the crushed-gravel trail continues west to the Cobequid Bay Lookoff beside the tidal Salmon River as it flows into Cobequid Bay. The Lookoff and section continuing west to Old Barns is a very scenic part of the trail! Take in the beautiful views of this tidal landscape at several rest areas beside the trail. Enjoy the salt marshes, migrating shorebirds in season and other wildlife. Watch for bald eagles and osprey (Nova Scotia’s provincial bird) along the river too.

Bible Hill and Valley sections
An additional 6 km of the Cobequid Trail is located in Bible Hill and Valley and is connected by approximately 2.7 km of sidewalk/road. Explore the area’s nature and wildlife (including bird watching). View woodlands, shaded brooks, farmland, views of the Salmon River and Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus.

Trail grade: Varies; mostly gentle slopes; some steep inclines along Farnham Brook
Public washrooms: Bible Hill Recreation Park (May to October)

About the route
The DalAC trail section (about 2 km) begins at College Road, meanders through the attractive Dalhousie Agricultural Campus and the university farm, following a ridge offering views of the Salmon River, and joins the Bible Hill Recreation Park. From the Rec Park, follow the sidewalk for about 1.5 km up College Road to Maple Blvd and Scenic Avenue to reach the Eagle Crest trail.

The Eagle Crest trail section (1 km) is a lovely walk through maple stands and hemlock ravines and offers views overlooking the Salmon River. Continue about another kilometre via sidewalks and short trail sections across College Road and Pictou Road to the Farnham Brook trailhead at Village Court.

The Farnham Brook trail (3 km) passes through meadows and mature forest and crosses the meandering brook several times; listen and watch for wildlife and songbirds as you stroll.

Date Details/Hours of Operation

no winter maintenance.