The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail

06/03/2026

Ticks are common throughout Nova Scotia, and hikers may encounter them on The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail. Black-legged ticks can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses.

Before heading out:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants
- Wear light colours
- Use insect repellent
- Stay on the trail and avoid tall grass

During and after your hike:
- Check yourself, your clothing, and your pets for ticks.

A quick tick check can help keep you safe while enjoying the outdoors! Check out the following link for more details on tick safety: https://novascotia.ca/ticksafety/

06/02/2026

UPDATE: THE CAT WAS FOUND ....A cat was lost near the Bluff Trail parking lot on the BLT Rails to Trails. His name is East, and he is a black cat wearing an AirTag (though unfortunately, it is currently undetectable) in a purple strap. He ran off after becoming startled when he saw other people nearby.

East is not an outdoor cat, and this was actually his first time outside. His people had hoped to let him safely explore and enjoy the outdoors with them, but things happened so quickly, even though he was on a leash.

His people are very worried about him and would be deeply grateful for any information that could help find him. St. Margaret's Bay Area Rails to Trails Safety Minded ATV Association

05/28/2026

Heavy trail use can lead to trail widening, braiding, and spurs. These can cause damage to vegetation and increase erosion on the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail.

The best way to help protect the wilderness is to stay on the main trail and walk through muddy sections rather than around them.

Our Summer Trail Stewardship Technicians will soon be working hard to repair damaged areas using natural barricades made from rocks and downed woody material. If you see these barricades on trail, please leave them in place and allow our stewards to continue their important work.

Together, we can help keep the Bluff healthy and beautiful for everyone to enjoy!

05/21/2026

If you plan on going to the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail soon, be sure to check out St. Margaret's Bay Area Rails to Trails page for trail closures.

The Rails to Trails system provides access to the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail Head. With recent construction being done on the Rails to Trails system, closures have taken place, restricting access to the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail.

Signage in areas of closures is clear, and should be followed to keep both trail users and trail workers safe.

On weekends, trail closures will not be taking place to provide access to trail users.

05/06/2026

BLT rails to trails is getting work done...

04/30/2026

Check out this video on trail barricades along The Bluff Wilderness Trail.

This video was created nearly 8 years ago, but has valuable information on these structures that help prevent unnecessary trail damages. We now have close to ten years of experience creating trail barricades, allowing for vegetation regrowth in previously damaged areas!

These structures are a great way for our trained volunteers to help combat damages from extensive trail use. Barricades are also a major project for our Summer Trail Stewards!

4 likes, 1 comment. "Trail barricades - combating trail widening and trail spurs"

03/16/2026

With spring just around the corner, our trails will start getting busier as the weather warms up. As the snow melts and spring rains arrive, many sections of the trail system will become soft, muddy, and more vulnerable to damage.

To help protect the trails and keep them enjoyable for everyone:

• Stay on the designated trail
• Use hardened rock paths and boardwalks where provided
• Avoid walking around muddy areas, which widens the trail
• Wear proper footwear for wet conditions

These small actions go a long way in preventing erosion and protecting the trail system during the spring thaw!

01/15/2026

The Bluff Wilderness Trail takes users through several ecosystems, including ecologically sensitive barrens. Barrens are a type of ecosystem characterized by harsh climates, and/or poor soil conditions. You will see barrens along coastal areas, and in areas that lack significant soil levels.

Barrens have low shrub communities that find a home within pockets of little soil. Plant species such as Crowberry, Juniper, Lowbush Blueberry, Huckleberry and Reindeer Lichen can be found in the barren areas of the Bluff Trail. These species have small root systems and have adapted to live in harsh conditions. The barrens are ecologically sensitive areas, that can easily be destroyed and take many years to regrow.

By staying on trail, you can do your part to protect this special ecosystem we have on the Bluff Wilderness Trail!

01/07/2026

"Leave no Trace" principles help to minimize your impact during your time in the wilderness. By planning ahead and preparing for a wilderness hike or trip, you can do your part to leave no trace while staying safe and making a more enjoyable adventure!

Choose a route that is appropriate to your ability and gear.

Prepare for all weather, hazards and emergencies, by taking proper clothing, and equipment.

Have a paper map, our downloaded map with extra phone charge.

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail gets up to 40,000 users a year! By following "leave no trace" principles and preparing properly, you can do your part to keep the wilderness wild and yourself and others safe.

Resources:
Nova Scotia Environment. (n.d.). Leave no trace principles. In Wilderness Area Standards.https://novascotia.ca/nse/protectedareas/docs/KeepItWild_wildernessstandards.pdf

12/09/2025

"Leave no Trace" principles should be followed when in the wilderness, including on the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail!

Did you know you can minimize your trace when in the wilderness simply based on where you decide to step?

Traveling on surfaces that are durable to impacts is very important, as the accumulation of usage can wear down soil and vegetation. The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail has several boardwalks along wetland type areas that are prone to physical impacts, these boardwalks create a durable surface for hiking, and protect the wetland below!

When on trail, stay on the path and within the middle when possible. This prevents further widening of the trail! Follow the main trail, avoid trail spurs that are unofficial side trails. The creation and use of trail spurs create further negative impact to the surrounding wilderness!

Help do you part to "Leave no Trace"! Tune in next week to learn more about these principles!