Years ago, we were looking for a way to fill a (very long) summer day with young kids. We found ourselves on Nova Scotia’s South Shore with no particular destination in mind, when a well-timed Google search introduced us to the idea of hiking Castle Rock.
That spontaneous decision was a good one! Everyone enjoyed the trail, and we made a mental note to come back and hike it again. A few years later, we tried to repeat the same adventure but arrived to discover that recent heavy rains had washed out sections of the trail, and it was temporarily closed. Whomp, whomp.
Fast forward to last Monday, a provincial holiday. We debated heading to the beach but settled on a family hike instead, and I immediately tossed out the idea of going back to Castle Rock. (Turns out our timing could not have been better ā 24 hours later, all wooded trails in the province were closed due to the forest fire risk.)
John packed a picnic lunch, we grabbed hats, filled water bottles, and hit the road!
Our first stop was at East River Picnic Park ā it’s a great little pull-off with half a dozen picnic tables, garbage facilities, and an outhouse.
Why sit at a table when you can eat your sandwich and plum atop a large boulder, right?
Finding the trail can be a bit confusing so navigate to the East River Trailhead parking lot, which is about 750 meters past the picnic area. Itās spacious and has a portable toilet on-site.
From there, itās a short walk to the Aspotogan Trail Section, part of the Rum Runners Trail system that stretches from Halifax to Lunenburg. This leads directly to the Castle Rock Trailhead. (Hereās a printable map of the Castle Rock route including trail options and difficulty levels.)
Most of the hike is on a groomed, level trail thatās stroller- and bike-friendly.
However, reaching the summit of Castle Rock is decidedly not accessible. There are a few different paths to the top, varying in difficulty. No matter which you take, the final 100 meters is a scramble up a rocky cliff. Itās absolutely doable ā Indy was about four years old the first time we did it ā but it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or very young kids.
This looks strikingly familiar…though five years has turned Indy from just beyond a toddler to a tween!
The summit overlooks Mahone Bay and various islands. Though it was a bit hazy when we visited, the view was still stunning.
Who’s ready for another throwback. At this stage in parenting, I could still pick her up and carry her on my hip.
And now we share clothing…
The kids were very keen to capture jumping shots, which is not my forte. But it was lots of fun and some of the facial expressions on outtakes were hilarious.
To get in-air shots, I took photo bursts and caught Indy sticking one landing. I think it looks like he’s declaring himself King of this particular Castle!
And then it was time to return from whence we came…
We took the most difficult route up (Yellow/#3) and the easiest one down (Red/#1). I wasn’t a fan of #1; while it was an easier grade, it was a gravel road and the loose stones made for difficult walking, though it would have been bikeable.
Total distance: 8.73 km.
We finished the day with ice cream at the Falmouth Scoop, which has officially become our favourite spot for summer treats. Huge serving sizes, quality ice-cream, and unbeatable prices!
Whether you’re a local looking for a new weekend adventure or visiting Nova Scotia and craving coastal views, Castle Rock is a fun hike. The trails are well-maintained and the summit offers spectacular views. Itās a great outing for anyone hoping to spend a few hours in nature!
Your turn.
- What’s the best high-level viewpoint in your town/city?
- Would you rather hike on groomed, flat trails, or navigate a more technically difficult wooded trail?
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Ice cream is always extra good after a long hike. I love going back to places with the kids now that we went to when they were younger.
My answer on flat vs technical depends on what kind of shoes I have. If I’m at home or on a car trip, then I have my hiking boots, so I can do the technical stuff. It’s a little harder when I’m just wearing sneakers. BC had a lot of shorter hikes on flat trails. I got spoiled by being able to break up the driving with quick hiking breaks to see something absolutely gorgeous.
Footwear can make or break a hiking experience. As can weather. Hiking something in the mud can be a vastly different experience than hiking it in fine weather!
It is fun to see things through the eyes of older kids and compare the differences between then and now.
Well, I live in the flat Midwest, so the only high point view is from a building. Our library has a lovely viewing window looking out over the town. I’m told sunset up there is striking.
I prefer a easy path- I could wander slowly while husband and kids could bike. And meet up at the end for ice cream. š
As usual, your NS post is a gorgeous and realistic celebration on ylthe beauties of your province. One day I’ll get back there.
You’re the one with the beautiful new library building, right?
I agree that I mostly prefer easy paths. I especially enjoy hiking through the woods where there’s natural shade, preferably without loose gravel or giant roots. Though that can add to the fun a bit at times.
Nova Scotia is worth a visit. When you’re ready to come, it will be ready to receive you <3
So beautiful! And just look at those teeny kids!!
Sarah, they’re sooo teeny!!!
But then again, so was Minnie and now she’s FIVE. Wow. Where does the time go, eh?
What a perfect day out – and such lucky timing with those trail closures the very next day!
That unposed summit shot of your two is gold. You should print two copies so they can surprise each other with it on some special occasion.
Iād have done exactly the same as you: tough route up, gentler one down.
We just did a sunrise hike this morning – 3 a.m. wake-up call! – but totally worth it. Iāll share more in my post next week.
I have proof there are moments of sibling peace!!!! (Deep down they love each other like crazy, but on the surface they like to drive each other crazy – isn’t that the way).
Looking forward to hearing lots more details about your hike. That’s an early start!
I prefer groomed trails. I want hilly, but I don’t want to worry about tripping and falling. We live in the Cuyahoga Valley, so there are a lot of good spots with views. One of the most popular is in the metropark where you are in the woods up high overlooking the valley.
That view sounds amazing. I like a bit of elevation change, too, and prefer if the trail is through the woods…but without tripping hazards (I had a bad fall a few years ago over some rocks/roots and have been a bit wary ever since).
This is beautiful! And I love seeing the pictures of your kids when they were little.
To answer your questions… our area is flat as a pancake, SIGH. And, I would rather hike a technical trail- but if I’m running, I want well groomed. I don’t need any more sprained ankles.
Ha! Well, we live in a very hilly town, in a Valley surrounded by “mountains” so we have lots of elevation changes. If you ever want to train on some hills, come visit me!
Ice cream always tastes best after a hike!
I love groomed and wide paths. Makes it so much easier with little kids to let them have the freedom they crave to run ahead or dawdle behind a bit. Narrow ones with drop offs where you have to hold hands at all times are often more scenic, but way more terrifying!
The ice cream tasted soooo good!
Yes, the fun of certain trails varies significantly based on the age of the children! Even now I hold my breath on certain trails, but it’s much less daunting than the days when we had to stay glued to their side. The little stage seems to last forever and then you blink and they’re scrambling up cliffs all by themselves.
The scenery is beautiful, those woods! I prefer groomed paths, although I have got pretty used to technical paths in the last few years. My most important consideration is where the path goes. The best high view would probably be Sky High in the Dandenongs (a range to the east of the city), otherwise I guess in the city would be the Eureka Tower.
Good point – a nice trail without a nice view isn’t always worth it! And struggling on a difficult path can be oh-so-worth it when rewarded with a beautiful view or fun destination.
How fun! These are the types of little local adventures I want to try and make a point to do more of. It’s the perfect way to spend an “extra” day off like on a minor holiday! We have many similar type trails and places in our general vicinity too, though I know there are many I’ve never even tried yet. What a perfect family outing- and definitely lucky timing with the closures soon after! (I haven’t been following reports this week- are the wildfires dying down? Before we went to Florida our air quality was soooo awful here in WI- visibly hazy and actually very hard to breathe! But then we were gone for 10 days and upon our return, it seems clear and been way better! Hoping and praying for a swift resolution of that sad situation for all who are impacted.)
I just got an emergency alert on my phone of a mandatory evacuation in the middle of the province š
Thankfully, Nova Scotia hasn’t been hit too hard yet, but New Brunswick and Newfoundland have really struggled. I have to be honest that I’m not sure what’s happening out west. I know the air quality has been horrible for so many people in the US. The only time I’ve been able to notice much impact from the smoke has been at sunset when the sky looks very deep orange because of all the particulate.
It’s amazing what little local treasures we’re still discovering! Some of that is because it’s much easier to do certain things now that the kids are older and more independent.
I’m so glad your air quality is better!!!
Amazing photos. Iām glad you opted to get that hike done before the trails were closed. Love the flashback pictures.
I do not know the highest point in my town- probably a small hill? But downtown Chicago has skyscrapers. Great views there!
We hiked the Gross Mountain in Vancouver in ā19. It was not rested as crazy difficult, but it drizzled the whole time and we were scaling a mountain and it was slippery and crowded. I hated it. I was so worried someone would fall.
That sounds terrifying. Things can go very wrong on hikes and I’m always VERY mindful of that.
It looks like a wonderful hiking day for you. And the ice cream at the end… such a treat. I mentioned before I am craving some soft serve. Ahhhh where do I get one.
Love all the pictures! What a beautiful place to hike! And ice-cream is always a great reward š
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