Middle Head Trail – Cape Breton Highlands National Park The Google rating is 4.8

The newly rerouted Middle Head trail follows a long, narrow peninsula separating two ocean bays, ending on headland cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Smokey and Ingonish Island.

There are opportunities to see seabirds, seals, whales and eagles, as well as fishing boats in the early summer. The trail is a 5.3km (3.3 mi) return hike with an interpretive loop at the furthest portion of the hike.

Trailhead: just beyond the Keltic Lodge (Civic Address: 383 Keltic Inn Road, Ingonish)
Significant Feature: Coastal headland and cultural history
Length:  5.3 km (3.3 mi) loop
Hiking Time: 1– 2 hours
Elevation: 10–55 m (15–150 ft.) Interpretive loop. Mostly level with some climbs. Some rocky, rugged sections with exposed tree roots.
Trail Rating: Easy
GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees): Lat: 46.655391 Long: -60.372142

Park is open year-round but full visitor services are only available from mid-May until mid-October. A park pass is required for hiking or use of other services in the park; park entry fee applies. Check in at the Parks Canada visitor centres in Chéticamp (16 Visitor Centre Rd., situated on the west side of the park) or in Ingonish (37637 Cabot Trail, on the east side of the park) to obtain passes, information on visitor safety and any other information you may need, including a trail location map.

For your comfort and safety:

• Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.
• Take along appropriate clothing – rapid weather changes often occur on the plateau or along the coast.
• Carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens.
• Bring insect repellent as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.
• Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.
• Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation.
• Do not throw food or scraps along the trails or roads.
• Read “Keep it Wild, Keep it Safe” brochure, available at park visitor centres and on the Parks Canada website.
• Recreational drone use is prohibited within the national park for the safety of wildlife and other visitors.

FRENCH:
Le sentier Middle Head, récemment réaménagé, suit une longue et étroite péninsule qui sépare deux baies océaniques et se termine sur des falaises offrant une vue spectaculaire sur l’océan Atlantique, le cap Smokey et l’île d’Ingonish.
En été, il est possible d’y observer des oiseaux marins, des phoques, des baleines et des aigles, ainsi que des bateaux de pêche au large. Le parcours est une randonnée aller-retour de 5,3 km (3,3 mi), comprenant une boucle d’interprétation à l’extrémité du sentier.

Longueur : 5,3 km
Niveau de difficulté : Facile
Dénivelé : 10 à 55 m
Durée : 1 h 30 à 2 h
Point de départ : Juste après le Keltic Lodge (adresse municipale : 383, chemin Keltic In, Ingonish)
Latitude : 46.655391
Longitude : -60.37214