Experience Cape Chignecto, Annapolis County trails for Hiker Challenge
Hikers can let the world know they’ve experienced some of the most beautiful trails of Cumberland County and Annapolis County, as part of Hike Nova Scotia’s Hiker Challenge.
Hike Nova Scotia recently partnered with Nova Scotia Provincial Parks and Annapolis County to add new Cape Chignecto and Annapolis County badges to their Hiker Challenge.
The challenge, which began in fall 2019, is an attempt to inspire, motivate and reward hikers to get out and experience Nova Scotia’s wondrous trail network.
When hikers complete each challenge, they are awarded a badge they can place on their clothing or backpacks. Hikers are also listed on the challenge’s honour roll.
To earn the Cape Chignecto badge, hikers will have to complete the Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Advocate Harbour, Cumberland County.
Over the course of a year, they must hike the entire loop, starting from the Red Rocks trailhead, then around the coastal loop and back, totalling 53 kilometres.
The challenging trail will have to be completed over multiple days given the distance to traverse.
Janet Barlow, Hike Nova Scotia executive director, says most people will probably choose to camp a few nights as they go along and complete the loop.
It includes beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy and its dramatic tides.
“It’s a sort of up-and-down trail; some of the trail will get close to the coast and there are dramatic lookoffs,” Barlow explained. “Some of it as a path through the woods. It’s really beautiful, I have done it myself many years ago and it took about three days and three nights to do it.”
To earn the Annapolis County badge, hikers must choose five from a list of seven local trails and hike from 11 to 15 km on them over the course of one year.
Annapolis County features many coastal trails that range from easier to moderate in difficulty.
This includes the Harvest Moon rail trail that runs from community to community, following the route of the old rail line; the Delaps Cove Wilderness Trail System that runs through a woodland trail, winding up on the coast, where you can view a beautiful waterfall; and the Hemlock and Hardwood Trails, which are part of Kejimkujik National Park, which includes beautiful, elderly trees.
Including Chignecto and Annapolis, there are a total of 10 badges hikers can earn from across the province and the organization is currently processing two more.
Once hikers have completed a challenge, they can apply for the badge on the Hike Nova Scotia website.
Between last April to March, 550 badges were awarded.
“The challenges are meant especially for new and novice hikers but certainly experienced hikers are wanting to earn the badges too,” Barlow commented. “But it’s something someone new to hiking can work towards over the course of a year. It’s all about encouraging and motivating people to get out on the trails.”
Badges vary in cost from free to $5 for Hike Nova Scotia paid members or $7.50 for non-members.
Proceeds go towards covering administration and process badges.
Each season, there is a prize draw including everyone who has earned a badge over the previous three months.
Gift card prizes of $100,
$50 and $25 are provided by the Trail Shop.
To learn more about the Hiker Challenge, readers can visit www.hikenovascotia.ca/ projects-hiker-challenge