Tag Archives: Running

running / jogging paths and trails

Whopper Trail – at Bayers Lake “Burger King”, Halifax – Nova Scotia

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The “Whopper Dropper” is an extensive system of trails behind the Burger King in the bayers lake shopping area. This system of trails was mostly developed and is extensively used by Mountain Bikers but are also used by Hikers. There are many loops and side trails that can sometimes be confusing if following the single track trails.

The trails can diverge in many directions and create many different loops especially on the granite plateau areas directly behind the Burger King. This granite plateau is great for biking and is relatively easy compared to the more “technical” and “difficult” single track trails that extend in many directions.

Terrain is varied from open granite areas with low shrubs and bushes, wooded areas with single track trails that wander through wooded areas that feature stands of pine trees near the lakes and stands of hardwood like Birch and Oak in other areas.

Used extensively by mountain bikers the trail features many technical challenges such as ramps, ladders and ramps built for mountain biking.
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Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area

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One of my favourite areas for hiking and mountain biking in the Halifax area is the Birch Cove Lakes area that can be entered near the Bayers Lake Shopping Centre and also accessible from boat club parking area behind Kearney Lake.  (MASKWA AQUATIC CLUB).

This is especially convenient for people who live in West Halifax, Clayton Park and Bedford areas since it is so close and offers so many different points of access and a variety of terrain and activities from hiking, biking, canoeing and winter activities like skating and snow shoeing.

“Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes is an wilderness area of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) that have been designated under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act. The total area of this near-urban wilderness area is 1,312 hectares (3,242 acres), or almost 3/4 the size of Halifax Peninsula.”

“The wilderness area includes forests, lakes, granite plateaus and barrens, and wetlands along the many lakes and small streams encompassed by the area. It protects some wildlife habitat and offers a range of wilderness recreation opportunities, all within minutes of Halifax / Bedford. The area has long been a favorite of Mountain Bikers, Hikers and Canoe Enthusiasts that have developed trails and portages from repeated use over the years.”

A large percantage of the trails in the area have been developed by mountain bike enthusiasts an is well known as the “Whopper Dropper” trail. There are many other trails along Suzie Lake, Quarry Lake, behind Kearny Lake and Charlie’s Lake that form a large system of trails that follow along Hobsons Lake, Ash Lake and Crane lake that eventually return to the “Whopper” trails behind Suzie lake.
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Shubie Park – Dartmouth Nova Scotia

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Shubie Park – This is a great trail for hiking, walking, running and biking. The trail can be used for a short 15 minute walk or a 2 hour bike ride and covers a lot of different terrain and passes by several lakes and connects to other trails. With plenty of parking at the Fairbanks Centre parking lot it is a great meeting / starting point for groups and individuals to coordinate from. See below for more info, maps and pictures.

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Kejimkujik

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Kejimkujik National Park is one of my favorite places – it is a great National Park and especially suited to hiking, canoeing, and back country camping. The many lakes and rivers offer a great selection of routes and different terrain.

What better place is there in Nova Scotia for hiking and canoeing?

turtle

Turtle in Jeremy Bay

Description .

The trails of Kejimkujik National Park offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy rivers, lakes and forests with groves of 300-year-old hemlock trees and an abundance of trails that access each of these natural treasures. All trails are maintained with a high quality gravel surface, while bridges and boardwalks provide access over wet areas. Each trail head has a sign with a map and brief description of the natural features along the way.

Link to Kejimkujik Web Site

Trees on Keji Lake

Trees on Keji Lake

Sackville – Bedford Greenway Connector

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Superstore parking access / bridge

Superstore Access / Bridge

The Sackville-Bedford Greenway Connector joins the two communities by a footpath, which runs underneath and parallel to highways and overpasses, and is fairly level and well maintained making an easy walk that is approximately 5 KM long depending where you access the trail.

Used by walkers of all ages, joggers, cyclists, dogs on leash, parents with strollers, seniors with canes, it is fairly busy.

On the minus side the trail is often next to the highway and passes the Sackville “firing range” both of which which can be noisy and distracting at times.

The trail runs along the Sackville river and has several bridges that cross over the river, which offers pleasant transitions, views and scenes.

The trail has one entrance at the right of the super store parking area in Sackville which is where I chose to park and access the trail.

The complete trail runs from two historic sites, Fultz House in Sackville and Scott Manor House, Fort Sackville, Bedford connecting the two sites, and the two communities, with a trail along the Sackville River.

Trails along the rivers have progressed from initiatives back in the 1980’s from the Bedford Path and Walkway System Plan, Bedford Recreation Department, the Sackville River’s Conservation Corridor Plan and many other supporters.

River view from Bridge

River view from Bridge

Trail - crushed gravel

Trail - crushed gravel

Clayton Park – Mainland North Linear Parkway Trail

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The Mainland North Linear Parkway is a multi-use corridor running parallel to Dunbrack Street and cutting across Lacewood drive in Clayton Park. The trail follows strait along the path of a power line through the residential neighbourhood passing parkland, backyards and parking lots! The many connecting walkways make the Linear Parkway a true Active Transport route for the many neighbourhoods in Mainland North.

The north end of the trail ends on Kearny Lake road close to the Hemlock – Ravine trail which can be added to extend hiking and walking time.

The wide pathway accommodates many different activities,and has a compacted crusher-dust surface. Jogging is popular along this trail, and the hilly terrain offers a challenge to many!

The trail is plowed in the winter, so it is no longer suitable for cross-country skiing. Dog walking on leash is permitted.

Point Pleasant Park – Halifax N.S.

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The park has a variety of woodland and seaside paths that will delight, walkers, cyclists, runners, picnickers, artists, birder watchers, urban wildlife.

Many people come to Point Pleasant Park to enjoy the sea, stroll in the forest on the numerous roads and trails, others come to enjoy the historic landscape and romantic ruins.

Paths in the park are surfaced in a variety of materials: fine & coarse gravels, wood chips, & compacted earth. Appropriate footwear will make your visit more enjoyable.