Do you want to go hiking near Halifax? High Head Trail is only 30 minutes away and offers spectacular coastal views without too much effort. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you can look out over the Atlantic Ocean and watch seabirds fly offshore. Don’t miss this great place to stretch your legs in the fresh air. Watch your step on the rocky coastline.
This past weekend, I had the chance to go hiking near Halifax and revisited High Head Trail with my sister. My one and only previous visit was several years ago and it’s still one of my favourites. Surprisingly, we only crossed paths with a handful of others in this popular place. As one of the best Halifax hikes, High Head Trail is worth adding to your list. Keep reading to see what I mean!
This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
About High Head Trail — One of the Best Halifax Hikes
Location: Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Preserve, Prospect, Nova Scotia
Distance: 9 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy for regular hikers
Elevation: 90 metre elevation gain
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes, but not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: High Head Trail is located in the Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Preserve and is a beautiful coastal hiking route along the Atlantic Ocean. You will have the chance to explore the rocky shoreline and discover impressive panoramic views.
High Head Trail Map
Finding the High Head Trailhead
If you’re driving from Halifax, take Highway 333 (Prospect Road) south past Long Lake Provincial Park and through Goodwood and Whites Lake. After 16 kilometres or so, turn left onto Prospect Bay Rd and continue for four kilometres and then turn right onto Seligs Rd. Shortly after turning, take your first left onto Jamils Rd and follow around the bend as it turns into Hages Lane. Follow Hages Lane to the very end and pack in the cul de sac. You can find directions to High Head Trailhead on Google Maps.
Read next: Pennant Point Trail: Best Hiking Near Halifax, NS
High Head Trail — Hiking in Halifax, Nova Scotia
After parking in the cul de sac, the High Head Trail begins through a short section of forest and then pops out onto granite ledges above the coastline. There’s a bench to watch the seabirds on Inner Gull Island (bring your binoculars) and a plaque dedicated to Dr. Bill Freedman next to the path. Continuing along the coast, I noticed a fair amount of trail braiding and it can be difficult to know where to go. Try to stay on what looks like a main route. We tried to stick close to the water for the views.
All in all, High Head Trail is about 9 km out and back and will take most people between 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. Budget a bit more time if you plan to walk into Prospect Village or stop for lunch on the rocks. For one of the best viewpoints, climb up Tanner Gun Rock but be prepared for strong wind. Here you will find writing on the rocks, “HMS FANTOME 18 GUN BRIG SANK IN STORM OFF THIS SHORE NOV 24 1814” — one part of the area’s history.
I should also say that High Head was in decent shape for the early season. We stumbled upon a few puddles and wet sections and had to hopscotch across boards and rocks. At this point, hiking poles would have been useful to avoid a couple of close calls. However, I managed the wet terrain with the help of waterproof trail runners.
Did you know? Dr. Bill Freedman worked his entire life to help preserve Canada’s natural environment. He was a professor and researcher of biology and volunteered for the Nature Conservancy of Canada for over 25 years and wrote A History of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Check out the plaque honouring Dr. Freedman near the beginning of High Head Trail.
What To Bring
High Head is a rugged coastal hiking route with minimal trail infrastructure. You won’t find bridges or boardwalks here, though there are some boards across puddles and a short boardwalk near the beginning to minimize impact on the environment. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring a day pack with some hiking essentials. I always carry a water bottle and snacks and you won’t want to forget your rain jacket (after all, this is Nova Scotia!). I brought my new KÜHL The One Hoody to test out — it’s a high-quality spring hiking jacket. Make sure you bring what you need for a morning or afternoon outside.
Wildlife on the High Head Trail
Visitors have the chance to view a variety of wildlife in the Dr. Bill Freedman Nature Preserve, including birds such as Arctic terns and whimbrels, and sea ducks like the eye-catching harlequin ducks and black scoters. You may even spot a snowshoe har and white-tailed deer in the area. When we visited, we crossed paths with a smooth green snake on the trail and even a couple of Canada geese on the shore (I guess even geese like long walks on the beach, too!).
Let’s do our part to keep wildlife wild. Never feed or approach wild animals in the preserve. Give them plenty of space to do their thing. If you bring lunch, pack out all of your garbage including organic waste (like banana peels).
Read next: Cape Split Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Nova Scotia
Know Before You Go — Coastal Hiking Near Halifax
Parking: If you’re following my route and hiking north to south, parking is available in the cul de sac next to the trailhead entrance. If you’re hiking south to north, parking on the road shoulder is available but pay attention to the “no parking” signage.
Toilet: No toilets are available at the trailheads or along the trail. Follow Leave No Trace principles to dispose of your waste properly.
Garbage: If you pack it in, pack it out. No garbage bins at the trailhead or along the trail. I was really impressed by the lack of trash on the trail. Do not leave anything behind (including organic food waste like apple cores and orange peels) and help keep wildlife wild.
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trail but must remain on a leash. Pack out your dog’s waste (I’ve used this smell-proof bag in the past).
Camping: No camping or campfires permitted in this nature preserve.
Navigation: You shouldn’t have much trouble finding your way on this well-trodden, coastal trail. Download High Head Trail on AllTrails for offline use.
Safety: Watch your step near the cliffs and on slippery rocks, especially on a foggy day or after a recent rainfall. If you’re hiking with kids, keep a close eye on them near the shoreline.
Crowds: High Head Trail has grown in popularity in recent years and nearby communities are not equipped to handle a flood of vehicles. Try to visit during less busy times (during the week and in shoulder seasons) and avoid a weekend visit during peak summer months.
Respect the Community: Show respect to local residents and the nearby Prospect Village by following the rules and guidelines for High Head Trail.
More Nova Scotia Hikes
Are you looking for other Nova Scotia hikes to add to your list? Here are a few more that you may want to check out if you haven’t already:
- Pennant Point Trail: Best Hiking Near Halifax, NS
- Cape Split Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Nova Scotia
- Balancing Rock Trail: Natural Attraction in Nova Scotia
- Your Complete Guide to Fishing Cove Trail in Cape Breton
- Your Complete Guide to Hiking Cape Chignecto Trail in NS
Have you hiked the High Head Trail near Halifax? What was your experience like? Leave a comment below!
Save this for later? Hover over the image to add to Pinterest!
Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
