The Short Line Trail is a 120 km multi-use trail stretching along the Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, spanning three counties and linking the communities of Pictou, Scotsburn, River John, Tatamagouche, Wallace, Pugwash and Oxford. The trail is built on the railbed of the former Intercolonial Railway. Part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Short Line Trail connects our communities today as the railway did for nearly a century.
The Short Line Trail passes by Pictou Harbour and Tatamagouche Bay on the Northumberland Strait and through forests and farmland. It skirts many wetlands and crosses numerous streams, some with large sandstone culverts. Large bridges span the Wallace River, French River, Waugh River and River John. Near Oxford, scenic smaller bridges and a tunnel add interest to the trail.
Great for off-road bicycling or long-distance adventure, most sections of this easy, flat trail have a compacted gravel surface. Hybrid or mountain bikes are best suited for the trail surface.
Access the trail at multiple trailheads with parking and trail panels including maps and local historical and cultural information. Rest areas with benches and picnic tables are located along the route.
Trail use: Walking, bicycling, equestrian, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobile, ATV, dogs on leash. Users are to obey posted signs. The 3-km section of the Jitney Trail in the Town of Pictou is walking and cycling only.
Station Road Trailhead, 24 Station Road (off Main Street), Tatamagouche
Nelson Memorial Park, 153 Loop of Hwy 6, Bayhead (mid May to mid October)
Wallace Bridge Station trailhead
Crowley Rd Trailhead, Pugwash
Some highlights along the route:
The Jitney Trail (3 km, one-way) runs along the Pictou waterfront. The first 1.5 km (from the east entrance by Hector Quay Visitor’s Marina) is paved, making it excellent for wheelchair, bicycle, rollerblade, and stroller use. See where the Ship Hector made its historic landing in 1773. Park benches and picnic tables are available.
The Butter Trail is the 5-km rail trail section in the busy village of Tatamagouche, named after the Tatamagouche Creamery where butter was made. Along the trail you can explore Creamery Square, Tatamagouche Farmers’ Market, Train Station Inn, Patterson Wharf Park, and Nelson Memorial Park. The trail is within walking distance of village amenities, restaurants and shops. Enjoy views of Tatamagouche Bay and impressive bridges over the French River and Waugh River.
The trail crosses the historic Wallace Swing Bridge (440 feet long) located 3.5 km west of Hwy 307.
The 3.4 km Quarry Branch Trail connects the coastal community of Wallace. Explore the history of mining sandstone, enjoy the waterfront amenities, restaurants and shops. The Wallace Area Museum (on Route 6, 2 km west of Wallace) boasts a 3 km walking trail known as “The Loyalist Trail” that links to the Short Line Trail.
The 6.4 km Pugwash Salt Express Trail links to the coastal village of Pugwash, home to Thinkers’ Lodge, a National Historic Site where you can learn more about how this village first gained international recognition for peace in 1957. Explore a variety of food choices, accommodations and a beautiful waterfront with shops.
Oxford, known as Blueberry Capital of the World, is the western end of the Short Line Trail where you will find a 55 m walking bridge over the River Philip and the Bunny Trail (walking/biking). Accommodations and food choices are available and be sure to check out the unique Alphabet Store on Water Street, 300 m from the Oxford Station Trailhead. The Trans Canada Trail continues north from Oxford to the New Brunswick border.
Various sections of the Short Line Trail are maintained and managed by the Town of Pictou, Pictou County Trails Association, Tatamagouche Area Trails Association and Cumberland Trails Association.
