Hiking Taylor Head: Something for everyone
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Girl guide I am not.
Heck, when it comes to navigating in the woods, I’m barely even a Brownie or Spark.
I’m the first to admit that my navigational skills are not what one would call advanced. I’ve never used a GPS and, although my sister bought me a compass when I was in high school, I still have no idea how to use it.
But I love hiking, so it is always with great relief and gratitude that I encounter a well-marked hiking trail.
My need for navigational aid was amply met on a recent trip out to Taylor Head Provincial Park.
Located near Spry Bay, roughly an hour-and-a-half drive down the Eastern Shore from Halifax, this park is home to several hiking trails and a sandy beach where you can cool off in the Atlantic Ocean after your trek.
Hikes range from a one-kilometre beach walk to the 9.5-kilometre Bull Beach trail.
My accomplices and I opted for the eight-kilometre Spry Bay/Headland trail, which follows the coast of the long, narrow peninsula out to the tip of Taylor Head and back.
I love the diversity of this trail. The path winds through ferny-floored forests, along coastal barrens overlooking the ocean and directly along the rocky shoreline.
Stairs, boardwalks and strategically placed boards will help you traverse the sometimes tricky terrain through the wooded areas of the route, but the path can still be quite damp, so be sure to bring decent footwear.
The portions of the trail that cut through the coastal barrens are my favourite, both because of the stunning views and because of the smell. Although I haven’t been able to identify it yet, there’s a sweet odour I frequently notice when hiking in this type of environment, and when it mingles with the salty breeze, I always think, “I’m so glad I get to live in Nova Scotia.”
Wild blueberries and pitcher plants can frequently be spotted among the lichen and brilliant green coastal foliage.
Sturdy hiking shoes will also be needed for the lengthy hike along the water’s edge. Unlike the rest of the route, there is no worn path here; hikers must simply tread on the rounded rocks of the shoreline.
The trails are clearly marked with coloured metal tags and occasional signs that indicate how far you’ve travelled and how far you have yet to go. While making your way down the rocky shoreline, be on the lookout for these tags affixed to trees or posts for reassurance that you’re still following the trail.
Of course, don’t neglect the beautiful shoreline, either – a keen eye may spot a seal swimming along the coast.
The full Spry Bay/Headland trail is a beautiful but challenging four-hour hike. Those with mobility issues may find the footing on the rocky portions too difficult.
If you don’t fancy a full-blown hike, or if your party is divided in its choice of outdoor pursuits, the beach at Taylor Head Provincial Park is also a great place to while away a few hours.
You can swim out to a rocky outcropping just a few metres off the beach, or search for beached jellyfish in the sand.
And, as you make your way down the boardwalk back to the parking lot, be on the lookout for bunnies.
During my recent visit, three rabbits were nibbling on the grass, completely unfazed by the beachgoers who had gathered to watch them.
If, like me, you can’t tell north from south in the woods, you can learn how to navigate safely from the pros. Halifax Regional Search & Rescue offers a map and compass course a couple of times per year, including field exercises that involve bushwhacking. The next course takes place Nov. 5 and 9. For more information, visit halifaxsar.ca/learn/.
This article originally appeared in The Chronicle Herald.
Day Tripper 
