The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail

10/19/2026

From the old sign in book that we used to maintain at the first junction of the Pot Lake Loop:

Ode to a Blue Marker

Blue Marker
You spawn in droves
More numerous than Red
Pinned to alder, birch, maple, spruce
Blue algae
But no fungal spores
You have invaded
Who brought you here?
Loud Blue marker
You sit scratched
Battered on the shore
Who fought you here?
Ugly Blue marker
I found my way alone,
Useless Blue marker
Who thought you dear?
Stupid Blue marker
Why are you here?
Blue marker

Anonymous Bluff Trail Poet
c. 22 May 2016

09/29/2026

White-tailed deer hunting with muzzle-loading ri**es and archery equipment began September 14 and continues through the general hunting season until December 12.

If you’re heading out on the trail during this time, please wear hunter/blaze orange and make sure your dogs do too. Keeping yourself and dogs on-trail is especially important for reducing risk.

Hunting is permitted within the Wilderness Area, so encountering a legal hunter is possible. Stay alert, stay visible, and enjoy the trail safely!

09/24/2026

An aluminum/plastic canoe paddle was left on the Paradise Cove portage route by a member of Canoe-Kayak Nova Scotia with the intention of picking it up on their way back through, but someone grabbed the paddle while they were out for day.

Please let us know if you have the paddle and we can let the owner know.

09/08/2026

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail needs YOU!

We are looking for volunteers to join us for day-trips to conduct side-of-trail trimming on the Bluff Loop (aka. the red, or third loop). We spend the whole day out there, but if you find your own way there you are welcome to join us for whatever length of time best suits your schedule.

We have enough tools to accommodate 2 people joining us for each day, but more are welcome if they bring their own.

Message us here for more details if you'd like to join us on any of the following dates:

- Sept. 14

- Sept. 21

- Sept. 25

- Oct. 2

- Oct. 5

- Oct. 13

09/04/2026

Our Summer Trail Stewardship Technicians wrapped up their 8-week placements two weeks ago, and they accomplished so much!

Over the summer, the team repaired and created hundreds of trail barricades to help prevent trail widening and the creation of unauthorized trails. They also completed trimming across all four trail loops with only hand tools!

Beyond the hands-on work, the team connected with hundreds of trail users, answering questions and sharing information about trail maintenance, safety, directions, trail reporting, and ways to get involved through volunteering.

A huge thank you to Ethan, Oliver, Annie and Asa for all your hard work and dedication this summer! We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done to help care for The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail.

07/29/2026

Paul Berry and Ben, the chair and secretary of WRWEO were out on the trail this morning. We also were able to say hello to two of our summer trail technicians Ethan and Asa.

07/13/2026

Complete Burn Ban in Effect for Halifax County- July 13, 2026

Check before you burn: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

Please be advised at burning of any kind, any time, is prohibited on the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail.

Fire Ban in Effect for Halifax County

Halifax County is currently under Red fire restrictions, meaning no open burning is permitted. This includes campfires, backyard fire pits, brush burning, and other open fires.

Fire restrictions are updated daily at 2:00 p.m., so be sure to check the Burn Safe map before planning any outdoor burning.

Check today's restrictions here: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/

With hot, dry conditions increasing the risk of wildfires, everyone can do their part to help protect our forests, wildlife, and communities. Thank you for helping keep Nova Scotia safe!

07/10/2026

Trail Closure Notice – Pot Lake Loop

Please be advised that Section C of the Pot Lake Loop (the first loop) is closed until further notice. Please see the attached map, with the closed section highlighted in red.

This section has been closed due to the unsafe condition of two boardwalks. The boardwalks are in need of repair and are currently impassable. For your safety, please avoid this area and respect the closure.

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail relies on grants and community donations to fund trail maintenance and repairs. If you'd like to help support the trail, including repairs to these boardwalks, please consider making a donation to the Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organization (WRWEO), the nonprofit volunteer organization that manages the Bluff Trail.

Tax-deductible donations can also be made through NS Trails. Select "Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organization" under the Fund dropdown. If you would like your donation to go directly toward the boardwalk repairs, please mention this in the Private Message section.

https://nstrails.com/donate-now/

Thank you for your support and for helping keep the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail safe for everyone.

07/02/2026

To reduce the risk of forest fire at Five Bridge Lakes Wilderness Area, Environment and Climate Change is now prohibiting the lighting of campfires along the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail.

Camping and using camping stoves at the designated Leave No Trace campsites is permitted.

To report illegal activity: 1-800-565-2224.

06/23/2026

Meet our 2026 Summer Trail Stewardship Technicians: Ethan, Annie, Oliver, and Asa!

You'll find them out on the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail this summer, sharing knowledge, promoting responsible trail use, and helping remediate impacts.

They’re also on trail educating users on simple ways we can all help protect and steward the trail. Caring for this special place is a shared responsibility, and every action makes a difference!

If you see our Stewardship Technicians, make sure to say hi!

Want to help continue to make programs like these possible in your community? Consider making a donation to the Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organization, or a tax-deductible donation to our partner organization, the St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association by following these links:

https://wrweo.ca/wp/about-wrweo/membershipsdonations/

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/13116