Broad Cove Mountain Trail

A compact alternative to Franey, Broad Cove Mountain is a 1.9-kilometre round-trip that climbs roughly 130 metres through hardwood forest to a wide-open ridge view of Ingonish, Middle Head, and the Atlantic. The trail is well marked and a fine sunset choice. Bring water; the climb is short but unrelenting.

What you'll see

• A wide-open summit view of Ingonish, Middle Head jutting into the Atlantic, and the highlands plateau behind.
• Cape Smokey rising to the south.
• Hardwood forest on the climb — sugar maple, yellow birch, beech — with brilliant fall colour.
• Bald eagles riding the thermals on warm days.
• A perfect sunset platform with a manageable descent.

On the trail

• 1.9 km return with about 130 metres of climb.
• Steep but short — the trail goes up directly without switchbacks for the first half.
• Surface is packed dirt with rock and roots; trekking poles help on the descent.
• Well-signed and easy to follow.

What to bring

• Real shoes or boots — runners are okay in dry weather.
• Water; the climb is short but the dehydration is real.
• A wind layer for the open summit.
• Bug spray in early summer.
• Headlamp if you're staying for sunset.

Park & access

• Trailhead lot is signed off the Cabot Trail north of Ingonish.
• Parks Canada day pass required.
• Vault toilets at the trailhead.
• Lot is small; arrive early on summer afternoons.

Combine it with

• Black Brook Beach minutes away for a swim before or after.
• Mary Ann Falls for an easy waterfall stop.
• The full Coastal Trail starting at Black Brook.