Wednesday, 20 August 2008 10:27 am

SPRY BAY TRAIL / HEADLAND TRAIL

Uses: Hiking

Time: 3-4 hrs

Length: 8 km

Difficulty: 2

Location: Located off Highway 7 (Marine Drive) along the Eastern Shore, about a half km east of Spry Bay and 11 km west of Sheet Harbor.  It’s about an 1 1/2 hr drive from Halifax.  Take the turnoff for Taylor's Head Beach Provincial Park and follow the dirt road to the parking lot at the end of the road.  An interpretive center illustrates the trail system and individual maps are available at the start of the trails.  The trails lead south from the picnic area.

Description: Two loops follow the edge of the peninsula that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean.  The first loop (Spry Bay Trail) is a 4 km loop that passes through a coastal forest of spruce and fir.  It passes along a saltwater pond and offers several observation points to view the coastal habitat.  If you decide to continue along the second loop (Headland Trail) it will add another 4km to the trip but it is well worth it.  This trial reaches out around the peak of Taylor's Head.  Much of the trail is along the shoreline and atop large outcrops of greywacke rock.  The salt spray from the sea can be felt at almost any point along this loop.

Notes: A peregrine falcon was spotted along the Spry Bay Trail with a fish in tow.  It was circling its nest waiting for hikers to pass by.
- Nice beach for swimming but water is very cold up until at least mid July.
- Popular area for ocean kayaking.

Rating: 4

Disclaimer: Sea Scotia Vacation Rentals in no way endorses the use of this trail.  Please do so at you own risk.  Be aware that in some places you may be crossing private property and you are required to obtain permission from the registered owner before doing so.  To determine the registered owner of the land contact the Nova Scotia Registry of Deeds office.