Hiking North River Falls Trail: Highest Waterfall In Nova Scotia
Located aptly in the wonderful North River Falls Provincial Park, North River Falls is an in-and-out trail that features a variety of technical and not-so-technical terrain and follows North River for a good portion of its distance. The trail takes hikers nearly 8 kilometres (one-way) through Cape Breton forest to the breathtaking North River Falls. Measuring 32 metres or 105 feet, North River Falls is Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall.
With its trailhead barely 80 km from Sydney and just off the world-famous Cabot Trail, this trail makes a perfect day trip for hikers spending time in Cape Breton.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 17.7 km (out and back)
Suggested Duration: 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours
Signage: Some signage and markers throughout
Facilities: Parking area
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Key Features Of North River Falls
- Leads to North River Falls, the highest waterfall in Nova Scotia (32 metres / 105 feet)
- Located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- A challenging and remote hiking trail
- Offers a mix of forested sections and river crossings
- Abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities
- The trail can be rugged and steep in places
- Accessible from the Corney Brook Campground
Facilities And Services
- Parking lot
- Picnic tables in the parking lot
Before You Start Hiking North River Falls
Hiking North River Falls is no walk in the park. Therefore, it is important to come prepared and ensure you have the proper gear and tools in case of an emergency.
There is little to no service once you arrive at the parking lot for North River Falls. Before hiking, let someone know your location, estimated time of completion of the hike and what to do in case of an emergency, especially if you are hiking alone.
We also suggest bringing either a physical trail map or downloading one ahead of time. While the trail is well marked, depending on the weather, sections of the trail may get washed out and make it difficult to follow.
When we hiked North River Falls in September of 2021, there was a bridge out. Thankfully, a detour route is available. There will be signs indicating the detour and tape blocking the original bridge route (picture below for reference).
Bringing the proper gear is essential when taking on longer hikes. Be prepared with appropriate footwear to cross rivers and dress for the weather. Hiking poles are encouraged but not necessary. The first few kilometres are on a relatively groomed path. However, the trail does become more rugged, and you will soon find yourself climbing over some rocky areas and crossing rivers in backcountry terrain.
While entirely optional, we do encourage you to bring a water filter. If you choose not to, be sure to pack enough water for the entire 17.7 km hike. Bringing a water filter will help lessen your load and provide safe drinking water throughout the hike. We brought our Katadyn Befree Water Filter and only had to refill our bottles once we reached the waterfall (the halfway point of the hike). We purchased this filter a few years ago and take it with us on all of our hiking and outdoor adventures as it is lightweight and compact.
Whenever you are out in nature, it is important to do frequent tick checks and carry a tick removal tool kit. To learn more about tick prevention, check out our article How To Avoid Ticks When Hiking.
Last but not least, please back out everything you back in. Since this is a longer hike, it would be a great idea to bring some snacks or lunch for when you reach the waterfall. That being said, avoid leaving any food or waste behind.
Our Experience Hiking North River Falls
Our experience hiking to North River Falls came on a beautiful, sunny September day after a night tenting at the Ingonish Beach Campground in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
After a cold night (there was a frost warning) in a tent, we woke up ready to get moving and warm up in the sun. After our campfire coffee, we made the 62 km drive down the Cabot Trail to the North River Falls trailhead in the North River Falls Provincial Park.
Arriving at the provincial park, there was plenty of shaded space for parking. There is a roofed shelter with information posted, which tells us the proper direction to start. We had lost cell phone service, so this was perfect. Of course, we went to the park to visit the Big Fall (North River Falls). Go big or go home!
After a short climb on relatively technical terrain, the trail smooths out. There are orange and pink markers throughout the trail to help hikers find their way.
Here’s a shot near the immediate entrance.
Here’s a shot of the groomed trail. Note that upon reaching this “groomed” trail, hikers turn left to continue to the falls.
The first two or so km on groomed terrain are relatively easy. There is a short section with lots of small rocks, which could be hard on the knees, but the slow and steady incline makes for an enjoyable first portion of the hike.
The trail crosses several streams and offers bridges to help hikers out.
On our hike to North River Falls, one of the bridges was out. The detour was easy to follow, bringing us down to the water, where the crossing was easy.
Eventually, the trail approaches the North River and begins to twin it upstream toward the falls. Continuing on, it wouldn’t be far before the trail became more technical, which we love.
As was mentioned earlier, hiking near the river is a big benefit on a long trail like this. We had our water filter handy in case we needed an early fill-up. Furthermore, though it wasn’t too hot, hiking along the side of a river does offer a cooling effect.
Here’s a shot of the beautiful North River in Cape Breton:
The second half of the hike is certainly more challenging than the first. Though the inclines and declines aren’t excessive, the terrain can be quite challenging.
We brought out hiking poles, which came in handy in some situations but proved awkward to maneuver in others.
To us, this terrain was a perfect blend of technical terrain, offering narrow passages that weaved through trees along with sections of layered river rocks.
Though the terrain was tons of fun for us, we recommend taking your time and being careful, especially after rainfall and near the river.
Here are a few photos to show various points along the second half of the trail:
After a good deal of easy and technical hiking, we made it to North River Falls. What an awesome view!
The waterfall was surprisingly full, given the time of year. We spent quite some time admiring the falls, listening to the calming sound and feeling the mist upon our skin.
Though there weren’t many places to lie down, there were plenty of sunny and shaded areas to enjoy the falls from.
On our trip, we were the only ones on the trail (hiking to and from the falls), and our admiration of North River Falls, together in nature, was a perfect high point of our day.
After having a quick snack, filtering water, filling our bottles and taking pictures, we made our return.
The hike back was just as enjoyable as the hike in. We made our way out at a slightly better pace and without encountering any dangerous wildlife.
Arriving back at the trailhead, we got back into the car to return to the Ingonish Beach Campground with another amazing hike completed in Cape Breton.
Checklists And Recommended Gear
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Hiking shoes – Women’s // Men’s
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Camera
- Cascade Hiking Poles
- Atlantick Tick Removal Tool Kit
- Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
- Snacks/Lunch
- Bathing suit (optional)
