Franey

The Franey trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Near Ingonish, the trail-head can be found north of the Clyburn River. There is a fire access road that permits driving for close to a kilometer to a parking lot. The hike itself is a loop of about 7.4 km that runs from 310 to 1,410 ft., taking between 2 and 3 hours to complete.

Map - Franey © Parks Canada

Franey is a challenging hike, but the trip is worth it--it's one of the best hikes on the Ingonish side of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Along the way, look out for wildlife in the Acadian forest. Moose droppings are plentiful, and the majestic animals are often close. After progressing up and out through this hardwood forest, often on stairs and though a steep, narrow track, you'll enter the boreal plateau and begin leveling out. Shortly thereafter lies a look-off with views of the Ingonish Harbor and Cape Smokey, but a short distance away, at the very top, lies the true reward. Take a seat on one of the large, flat rocks and bask in panoramic views of the coastline from Cape Smokey to Ingonish and of the Clyburn River canyon far below.