| Okay, I have a bias towards waterfalls, | | | | take for free. |
| spectacular trail-side views of water, and old | | | | Be sure to wear good boots and to be ready for |
| growth forests. Duration: 25 minutes to 5 hours. | | | | a swim anytime between May and mid October |
| So here they are: #1 Indian Brook Falls; # 2 North | | | | (if you are hearty). The Trail goes through an |
| River Falls, #3 Black Brook/Falls. | | | | exquisite forest and winds around though some |
| 1. Indian Brook Falls Hike (challenging) | | | | beautiful land, some private but mostly "Crown" |
| The Cabot Trail goes along the coast on the east | | | | land. In fact the Trail has been re-routed in recent |
| (Atlantic) side of Cape Breton Island. | | | | years but is well marked and easy to follow. |
| Take the Cabot Trail to the village of Indian | | | | The hike takes you above a raging brook that |
| Brook. A landmark the bridge over Indian Brook. | | | | has some beautiful spots for resting, picnicking |
| The Trail starts on the northwest side of the | | | | and even sunning yourself (dare I say taking a |
| Brook. | | | | nap?) |
| During the heat of summer, you can do the hike | | | | Once you arrive at the North River Falls you will |
| in and alongside the Brook. In early spring, enter | | | | be ready for a swim. Like Indian Brook Falls, the |
| the trail, as I said on the northwest side of the | | | | water is almost black but refreshing and clean. |
| bridge. Climb alongside the Brook. Descend to the | | | | Bring your camera, the hike is long but |
| first of two waterfalls. | | | | breathtaking. Duration 3.5-5 hours. Moderate in |
| You will see eagles flying up from Church Pond, | | | | difficulty. |
| just below the brook, often with fish in their | | | | 3. Black Brook Falls/Marion Falls (two easy ones |
| mouths for their young. As you follow the brook | | | | for the price of one) |
| there are great swimming holes and wild | | | | Black Brook is actually a beach on the Atlantic |
| strawberries along the sides of the brook. Some | | | | with a brook feeding into it. The walk is short and |
| folks canoe or kayak until the water gets too | | | | it is mostly along the beach which is several km |
| shallow and the rocks too slippery even to | | | | north of the village of Ingonish. |
| portage. | | | | You can swim in the salty ocean and then shower |
| The Indian Falls are truly breathtaking. Duration: | | | | in a small freshwater waterfall. |
| 4-5 hours rountrip depending on how often you | | | | Hike up around the falls and there are some nice |
| stop for wild strawberries, swims or the | | | | trails to follow above and along the ocean.; Not |
| occasional photo. | | | | far is Marion Falls (a short drive 4 minute drive), |
| 2. North River Falls (moderate but long-- about | | | | where you can climb down from one set of falls |
| 16km round trip) | | | | to another. These hikes are easy Duration: Fifteen |
| South and west on the Cabot Trail is the North | | | | to twenty minutes for each location. Once you |
| River Wilderness, actually part of the protected | | | | arrive at the falls, it is worth lingering around and |
| Cape Breton Highlands. Turn off the Cabot Trail | | | | exploring around the rocks. More tourists here, |
| onto Oregon Road and there is a clearly marked | | | | but a nice spot and you can really experience the |
| entrance to the Trail. There is a handy placard | | | | fresh air, the huge rocks and the relaxing sounds |
| and map of the area, and local maps that you can | | | | of the waterfalls. |