Trails of Pictou County
PO Box 1805 B0K 1H0 Pictou, NS, Canada

Our trails are calling, The call was answered. Way to go LM a well experienced hiker was out this weekend.

The Pictou County Trails Association, SANS and DMSC DO NOT CONDONE THIS IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR...PLEASE RESPECT LANDOWNERS' RIGHTS AND STAY ON THE TRAIL AND OFF OF THEIR FIELDS!!! ENOUGH SAID....PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!

A great day to try out my newly crocheted hat on the upper Fitz trail. Homemade soup hit the spot afterwards.

A great adventure December 28/2020 hike to the 6 mile brook bothy. Spent the night and out on the 29th. Had a great time, wish there was a bit of heat to make it more comfortable.

Thanks to Keifer Wood for this great video - a few days ago there was snow! Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCqbYIQ5-YQ

Excellent day replacing the boardwalk at Fitz! No more holes, no more jank, and no more mud. Thanks to the Pictou County Trails Association Trails For Life sma...ll grants program and the dedicated volunteers that made this happen! @nstrails #pcta #pictoucountycycle #oldfitz #scotsburnrec #jankfreezone #ecmtb #mountainbikeatlanticns #mountainbikeatlantic #digday

Planning ahead for this conference - it should be a valuable experience for every trail user. I know NS Trails is keeping watch on the pandemic, and ready to be nimble if necessary. Can't wait!

A nice late afternoon hike down Greenhill trail which has been recently worked on by volunteers and Cape to Cape members. Thanks for all the hard work you’ve done.

Greenhill Trail Step Project is COMPLETE! A group of 20 dedicated hikers gathered on Tuesday Nov 17 and Saturday Nov 21 to build 27 steps and spread gravel over exposed roots on the pathway in from the Greenhill Park. The result is now a safe and enjoyable arrival (or departure) on the steepest section above the switchbacks. The 20 volunteers were as follows; Tom Brennan (Designer and Project Boss) Elaine Falconer Fran Wyman... Phil Wyman Pat MacDonnell Rob Christie Gordon Young ChristineSelig Alasdair Veitch John VanVulpen Jim Vance Sandra Malenfant Margie Parker Blaine MacDonald Tammy Goodwin Dale Curtis Bob Boardway Greg Currie Eric Wilson Ron Fraser The total hours of work was 106.5 hours which credits the Cape to Cape Trail Hiking Committee with $1597.50 of volunteer effort under the Pictou County Trail Association rules. Well done and THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!!

Friends of Greenhill Park are doing great work hikers! We are glad to be supporters of their great project. Our trail sign(s) will be attached and it will be a great place to take a break, have a snack, meet hikers and get shelter if need be. Great work!

Join Jim, Sue, Pat or Eric on an enjoyable hike along one of our beautiful trails - all sections of the Cape to Cape Trail Network. Certified volunteer leaders. Details will be posted by Hike Nova Scotia and on this site. All COVID-19 precautions for outdoor activity will be observed.

Ladies, and Lassies! It's that time of year, again! Get out your hunter orange, your gloves and elbow grease, and come build trails with experienced female-iden...tified builders. To keep everyone safe, and still hold our favourite work event, this year's offering will be a one-day workshop, and we will stay in the great outdoors. **IMPORTANT** Registration is vital for this event for contact tracing and safety precautions. #staysafestayactive #capetocapetrail #BestGirlsWeekendEver Nova Scotia Trails Federation Recreation Nova Scotia Trails of Pictou County See more

Another great Meetup hike led by C2C hiker Alasdair. Roy Island, Melmerby beach.

Some fall day photos from a loop hike on the Six Mile Brook Trail from the Weeks Quarry trailhead on the Six Mile Brook Road off of Route 4. It is an 11.5 km route that takes about 4 to 5 hours - a gorgeous hike this time of year!

ALASDAIR C2C LEADER IS GOING TO DO THIS HIKE. Approximately 1 1/2 hours. Masks at meeting place and snack break location, 6 feet apart hiking.

Hike #2 was a huge success under Hike Nova Scotia Covid edition. Many thanks to hike leaders and sweeps Maxine, Tom, Rhona and myself Sue. Two groups of 10 with bubble and other social distancing. Thanks to all that attended.

A huge thanks to these terrific people from left to right Tom, Jim, Pat and Rhona in back. Greenhill summit trail is now clear for Sunday September 27 th hike. Unfortunately the hike is full but please watch for future hikes. Great hike and conversation today, was wonderful to be with these people, thank you.

Shout out to the Samson Trail Cleanup Crew for #FridaysForFuture New Glasgow Recreation

Join Pictou County Fridays For Future tomorrow (September 18, 2020) at 4:45pm at Glasgow Square Theatre for the Samson Trail Clean Up! We will provide gloves an...d garbage bags. Please bring a mask and some friends! Town of New Glasgow Town of Westville Town of Stellarton Trenton Parks & Recreation Pictou Recreation and Parks Municipality of Pictou County Pictou County Solid Waste Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up Fridays For Future Canada

This is public notice of Pictou County Trails Association’s annual general meeting, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at the Lyons Brook Community Centre, 2399 NS-376. We will attempt physical distance, but please bring your mask in case of a crowd.

On Wednesday I traveled to NG and went with the same friend to the Samson Trail, which I have NEVER done LOL. Anyway, what a great job the Town of New Glasgow has done! And it was BUSY...people are really re-discovering the simple pleasures of life, like walking, since the virus came upon us. Anyway, the trail goes all the way to Bridge Avenue in Stellarton which is not too awful far from the Stellarton Water Standpipe. It shouldn't be hard to hook up to! What we need at Ca...pe to Cape Trails are people from the Towns (Westville, Stellarton, New Glasgow and Trenton) who have the C2C vision and understand that we are trying to make our way to Cape George in Antigonish, ultimately. We want to allow folks to walk directly on to our amazing footpath...what is and will continue to be "Nova Scotia's Longest Footpath". Our motto is "Hearts, Minds and Soles' LOL. If you would like to join us in this project contact me by email and I'll start forming a sub-committee! Eric Wilson [email protected] See more

Call for Fall 2020 Guided Hikes - Deadline: August 14, 2020 In hopeful anticipation of a lifting of state of emergency restrictions this fall, Hike NS invites g...roups across NS to partner with it on delivering fall guided hikes in September, October and November of 2020. The purpose of the event series is to get more people in NS hiking, highlight local trails and increase their use and promote Hike NS and local trail/hiking groups. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. If your municipality, First Nation or organization can organize a hike (or already plan to host a hike), please register your event by August 14, 2020 for events between September 11 and November 15, 2020. Only the first 50 events will be accepted (spots might fill up before the deadline, so don't delay). Note that one organization may register only up to five hikes (and register only one event per online form). If state of emergency restrictions do not allow for such events to take place, in late August we will connect with hike hosts about how to respect restrictions while still promoting hiking. Register your event here: http://ow.ly/owvh50zyJiP #hikens #fallguidedhikes2020 #stayhealthystayactive

The other day I went with a fellow hiker/friend on the Old Foster Trail. We started at the Wellness Centre and followed it up to the Track Facility and then to the Stellarton Water Standpipe. Well, HOLY SMOKES WHAT A VIEW!!!! Remember how I said the view from Greenhill is unrivalled...well, I was wrong. Standing there and looking around 360 degrees (that's a full circle FYI) you can see absolutely ALL of Pictou County from east to west!! How would you like that location (via Alma, Pleasant Valley and Westville) to be on the Cape to Cape Trail? Check out the pics of Old Foster Trail

Please register for the Heartland Tour, why not do it today? The county with the highest participation rate is going to win some cold hard cash for trail development - MAKE PICTOU COUNTY THE WINNER. Registration is free - go to www.heartlandtour.ca. And then go for a hike!

This year's Heartland Tour has gone virtual! Help make Pictou County the most active county in Nova Scotia and register for free here: https://www.heartlandtour.ca/

Mission accomplished, a newly built bench by Eric Wilson was carried and erected on the Durham Hill Trail today by a group of committee members and volunteer. Beginning at the Sawmill Brook entrance the scenery is just beautiful. Rhona flexed her muscles and up over the hill we went. Once making it to the top level area of the trail, the bench was then tied to a 2x4 and carried to the most fantastic view of Fitzpatrick mountain towers. Job well done everyone, Eric, Ken, Mark, Elaine, Rhona, and Sue. Then off, continuing on the trail to the recently built bridge further down the Durham Hill Trail.

We like poles, a very handy tool for the hiker and Nordic Walkers!

The "A for Adventure" lads, Jan and Chris, do a regular segment about outdoor adventures in Nova Scotia on CBC radio's "Information Morning." Today, they talked with host Portia Clark about the Cape to Cape trails network. Here's the clip - enjoy!

This Saturday is International Trails Days.........June 6th. Looking for ways you can help keep our trail in Pictou looking beautiful and needing some wood..........here's how you can help. For 2 DAYS ONLY, you can access the trail by Brown's Point Road on Friday and Saturday and remove any fallen trees between Brown's Point and the Gut Bridge. Social distancing must be adhered to. Active Pictou County Hike Nova Scotia Recreation Nova Scotia Trenton Parks & Recreation New Glasgow Recreation Westville, Nova Scotia Town of Stellarton Municipality of Pictou County

A reminder to hike leaders, membership with OCC is due by June 7/2020

Today was a very productive day for Cape to Cape committee members on the Durham Hill trail. Thanks to everyone’s special talents the crew was able to get the majority of the foot bridge done today. A few minor details to finish up this week and hikers will be able to cross this area without getting their feet wet. We can social distance and get jobs done, thanks to all who attended today.

If you have questions about a tick you might find on yourself, a friend/family member, or a pet - here is a great resource for getting it identified by experts, and quickly. The app and web page are maintained by University of Saskatchewan and Bishop's Unuversity. It is free to load the app, sign up, and have a photo identified.

There is also a most active county challenge, sign up to win some cold hard cash for our trails.

The Hike NS AGM will take place by video Tues., May 26 at 7 pm. Registration is now open & will close on May 25 at noon. Register at http://ow.ly/YgbM50znFt5 to receive a link for the video call and files to review on May 25. We hope to see you there. #hikens #agm #linkinbio

Latest information from the NS Department of Lands and Forestry (summary by Active Pictou County) regarding how to use trails for exercise at this time.

New CoVID19 Rules and State of Emergency in NS - WHAT YOU CAN DO I sent this to Cape to Cape Trail Members...please read esp. if you are from NS Dear C2C Member;...Continue reading

** This video was taken and posted BEFORE the State of Emergency was declared in Nova Scotia. The current recommendations are not to gather in any group larger ...than 5 persons, and all Provincial and Municipal Parks are closed.** Lachie and I walked in TRENTON park today! Conditions were great! It was easy to have a walk and maintain recommended 2 meters distance. Lots of smiles and waves. THOUGHTS: It is important to understand, as we share outdoor space at this time, that we are all experiencing this pandemic differently,, some of us do not wish to chat or make eye contact. Going outside in the fresh air is an important aspect of self care and we all deserve to be active within our own level of comfort. So, if someone turns away from you as you pass, do not take it personally. Also, in the video, I refer to the more remote paths as "back country" affectionately. These wouldn't be considered true back country trails, but it was very private and felt as though we were deep in the wilderness. Amazing for a park located within town limits. Thanks, Trenton Parks & Recreation ! (and thanks to Mick O'Neill for the video.) Trails of Pictou County Nova Scotia Trails Federation The Great Trail Hike Nova Scotia Recreation Nova Scotia A for Adventure

Huge thanks to Alasdair’s orientation to Sue on mapping by GPS on Lorda Park trails today. Big thanks to Rhona for her data logging of way points, signage and distances for mapping. LORDAPark thanks Alasdair for his technical expertise and his wildlife biologists input for signage details.

Hey hikers! This event at Deb's in Scotsburn is always fun. In fact all of Deb's evening meal events are GREAT! She has a chance to cook perfect cuisine and serve drinks in the evenings too! Be there or be square!

The final snowshoe for the hike NS/ Cape to Cape trails winter series was a great success Led by Sue Gostock and sweep by Denise. A new family from Korea attended and well as one participant from the Visually Impaired of Pictou County with his guide Dog Walt. A huge thanks to Alasdair Veitch for being his human eyes guide for the day, a special friendship was formed today with them. Half way on the snowshoe was a pancake brunch being prepared at LORDA Park for which the snowshoers took part in. Then back on the trails to finish up. Thanks to everyone who participated today, it was a great day.

Thanks to reporter Brendan Ahern for his fantastic coverage of our Cape to Cape Events! Imagine, a giant front page photo and then 4 more and a write-up on page 5!! AWESOME AND THANKS BRENDAN!!

Remember there are 2 more winter HNS/C2C hikes coming soon, Feb 23 and March 1st. SEE POSTERS BELOW! ALSO, if you want to go please pre-register by email with the leader of the hike. It makes the paperwork so much less tedious! We had a blast (see attached pics) last Sunday pm; we got lucky with the weather and that was a big part of it. We always do a quick de-brief for feedback and items like the weather, the quietness of the woods, the cracking fresh air, positive attitud...es of hikers and the great view were cited as sources of pleasure for the 21 hikers who attended. Brendan Ahern from the NG News is doing a story too; it should appear online and in this Thursday's paper edition of the NG News...thanks Brendan! See pics below Cheers and Thank You and Happy Hiking! Eric M. Wilson BSc BEd

Eric Wilson was our guide on the Scotsburn Snowshoe Hike on Sunday Feb. 9, 2020

More photos from Cape to Cape Trail Committee/Hike Nova Scotia "Smelt Brook Hike" Sunday, 26 January 2020 under Hike Leader Jim Vance. An excellent time was had by all 15 humans and dogs "Baz" and "Tad!"

Tried to beat the rain this morning on the Smelt Brook Trail, barely succeeded

. . . and everyone had a good time. PCTA's 2020 snowshoe hike #2 was a great success. We completed our 7.6 km trek on the Smelt Brook Trail (part of Canada's Great Trail) and finished just before the rain started. Thanks to Janet for those wonderful oatcakes! If you missed this one more opportunities are coming, up next #3 on Fitz Feb. 9. For more options, province-wide, check with Hike Nova Scotia - https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/resources-snowshoeing/

IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO TRENTON PARK SUNDAY (Smelt Brook Trail Entrance across from Tim's) at 10am FOR SNOWSHOEING (Cape to Cape Hikers), MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SKATE OUTDOORS?? THE POND IN SCOTSBURN IS READY FOR SKATERS SATURDAY! Bring your skates, sticks and wear your winter woolies...the pond was cleared and flooded on Friday afternoon, thanks to Tim Van Veen (Fire Chief), Colin Murray, Jason MacKenzie, Gordon MacKenzie, John Forbes and Eric Wilson. Hope that it stays really cold so we can keep skating into Sunday and beyond. GET OUT AND GET HEALTHY YA'LL :) EVERYONE WELCOME...ALL AGES! HOT CHOCOLATE AND WARM FOOD AT DEB'S HIDDEN CAFE!! :)

UPCOMING FUN DAY FUNDRAISER JANUARY 26 th 1-3 pm (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) ONLY ALLOWING THE USE OF TOBOGGAN, CRAZY CARPETS, SLEDS. NO SNOWBOARD, GT RACERS OR INN...ER TUBES OR ANYTHING OF HIGH SPEEDS. Attached is a waiver form, please print off and fill out for children planning on coasting down the hill. For those who cannot print off and fill out, be prepared to fill one out at the bottom of the hill from the volunteer with the clipboard. See more

Such a fantastic afternoon snowshoeing with the Brazilian international students of West Pictou Elementary School. Organized by Sara Gunning and Cape to Cape , ...trails of Pictou County hike leader Eric Wilson. The snowshoe was up on Fitzpatrick Mountain. Assisted by hike leaders Pat, Fran, Phil, Sue, and Rhona. It was a totally new experience that they can take back home and share pics with their friends and family. See more

Sue has made the difficult choice to cancel tomorrow's snowshoe hike due to expected weather conditions that will make driving unwise and outdoor conditions unpleasant. Stay tuned, we are hoping she will re-schedule.

Just being outside in nature can have a beneficial effect on your stress level, help elevate your mood, and even help you become more alert and alive. These pos...itive benefits are enhanced exponentially when we are mindful in nature. And though our minds will always wander when we are physically wandering, we can take hold of our breath and return, time and again, to the miracle of the moment. If we are truly paying attention, there is always something to notice and learn from, whether a tiny bird, a flowering bud, or an autumn leaf covered in frost. The gifts are all around us; we need only open our eyes to see them. See more

Janet Barlow of Hike Nova Scotia drops in to talk about the launch of the 2020 Winter Guided Hike series. There are 60 hikes led by local folks and most hikes are free. More Global News Morning videos can be found here: http://globalnews.ca/halifax/videos/

We will all meet at the exit parking area, watch for the sign (snowshoeing)

Fun in the snow, snowshoe hikes coming in January and February. Please spread the news by sharing this post. Event details will be posted early in the New Year. For more hikes check with Hike Nova Scotia - https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/. We hope to see you on the trail.

https://yukoncharlies.com/how-long-should-hiking-poles-be/

Hello friends, me and @fatkidyogaclub are working together on a HUGE project about size discrimination in the hiking world. We need your voice! Would you like t...o contribute to the FIRST EVER research study of size discrimination in hiking communities and the hiking gear industry? Please consider lending your experiences and stories to this important study! Our goal is to get 500 folks to complete a survey about their experiences with size discrimination while hiking and purchasing gear. The survey should take about 20-30 minutes to complete, and the results will help to move forward the conversation about weight stigma and discrimination and ultimately create change! For more information and to complete the survey, please click the link below. https://forms.gle/aduT79n9CPLbkgac7