Saturday, 26 July 2008 09:32 pm

UISAGE BAN FALLS, Baddeck Forks

Uses: Hiking, Biking, X-County Skiing

Time:  1-2 hrs

Length:  7 km (return) to falls

Difficulty: 2

Location: 14 km north of Baddeck, if heading east, take 2nd exit to Baddeck and turn left at end of ramp and proceed over Trans Can Hwy towards Baddeck Forks.  If traveling west take 1st exit to Baddeck and continue right over bridge across Trans Canada Hwy.  After crossing bridge, continue straight or turn left.  Follow the signs either way to get to the falls trail 14 km north.

The last few km are dirt road and the last km is a bit rough but easily passable by any vehicle.  Road leads to provincial park with picnic and washroom facilities (pit toilets).  Two loops leave from picnic area to Uisage Ban Falls.  The trails are easy to follow, well marked and several maps are located at various spots to indicate your present location and distances traveled.

Description:  The shorter trail to the falls follows a brook along through mixed forests. It’s about a 20 min walk (1.3 km).  There are a couple of scenic bridges crossing the stream and benches are also available along the way.  The trail is also quite dry and terrain is very level except for a mild climb at the end.  The waterfall at the end of the trail is spectacular.

Another trail loops back along the Baddeck River.  This is well worth the extra distance going back as it proceeds along a ridge overlooking deep gorges, small falls, and places where the water has plowed through bedrock creating steep rock banks.  There are several pools along the river where you can take a refreshing dip.  This trail is about a 3.2 km loop back to the picnic park and is about 1-1.5 hrs duration.

Both loops are easily hiked and good for mountain biking and x-country skiing.  The longer loop is excellent for biking.

Notes:  good place to find salamanders under old logs lots of hardwood stands for good fall pictures.

Rating: 5

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.