With 7,000-km of ocean shoreline, you should expect that
Nova Scotia can provide some incredible coastal hiking. Taylor Head Provincial
Park occupies a rugged stony part of the Eastern Shore, extending far into the
Atlantic Ocean. With more than 16-km (10-mi) of coastline, of which at least
one kilometre is magnificent white sand beach, and approximately 18-km
(11.25-mi) of trails, this is a wonderful spot to hike. Finally, the place is
simply gorgeous!
The trails on Taylor Head are narrow and occasionally
challenging. Radiating out from a central start at the parking area, at least
four walking options are available. Novices should try the shorter routes
before attempting the Headland or Bull Beach trails. Experienced hikers will
prefer to complete the entire network.
Because of the layout of the various paths radiating out
from a central starting point, adjacent to the beach and the picnic area, there
will be ample opportunity to shuck the pack and relax between different trails.
In the early 19th century, Taylor Head was granted to
loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. The poor soil thinly covering the
headland was insufficient to support the families who arrived, so like most
settlements this community depended upon a mix of fishing, farming, and
lumbering to survive. Glaciers have scoured the exposed headland that makes up
the park, and deposited stray rocks, called erratics, throughout the peninsula.
Taylor Head extends far into the Atlantic and experiences
high winds and extreme conditions much of the year. Users of the Headland Trail
in particular should expect lower temperatures, and should avoid the ocean's
edge in stormy and high water conditions.
Directions: The park is near Spry Bay on Highway 7, 100-km
(62-mi) from Halifax and 11-km (7-mi) from Sheet Harbour. A very large sign
marks the entrance; turn onto the dirt road and drive 5-km (3-mi) to the
parking lot. Hikers should continue to the final (4th) parking area; wheelchair
access to the beach is available from the first lot.
Alternate access to the Bobs Bluff/Bull Beach Trails is
found 800 m/yd from the park entrance on Highway 7.
Synopsis: Beach Walk: 2-km (1.25-mi), Bobs Bluff/Bull Beach:
9.5-km (6-mi), Headland: 7-km (4.5-mi), Spry Bay: 3.5-km (2.25-mi)
Hiking time: 45 min-3 hr
Type of Trail: walking paths, beaches, former road
Uses: hiking
Facilities: outhouses, picnic tables, change houses, water,
beach, interpretive panels
Further Information:
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