With Halifax’s proximity to exposed and untouched wilderness, there is little surprise to the popularity of trail running. If you’re sick of the sidewalks or want steeper hills than Point Pleasant Park, trail running may be for you. We found five trails within the HRM to test your limits and your glutes!
Long Lake Wilderness Trail Loop — Located off the St. Margaret’s Bay Road, this winding trail provides a fantastic introduction to Nova Scotia trail running. The meandering course follows Long Lake, darting through its many peninsulas and coves. Though a sizeable distance (11.1km), its relatively flat run with 330m of elevation.
Admiral Lake Loop Trail — This is both a strenuous hike and challenging trail run. The track is a looped course measuring over 10.5km and featuring 300 metres of elevation gain. With the challenging uphill climbs, uneven footing, technical drops, and natural obstacles, this trail is for the experienced runner.
Whopper Trail — Known through Halifax as ‘The Whopper Dropper’ bike trail, it has been making its rounds through trail runners for its running potential. Located on the outskirts of Bayers Lake Business Park, its proximity to Halifax makes it ideal for those after-work runs. Through the 5.3km loop, you’ll get to scramble slabs of granite, climb boulders, and maneuver tricky natural features on the run.
The Bluff Trail — The stalwart of Halifax trails. If you ask for any hiking recommendations, The Bluff will be the first suggestion. Located 20 minutes from the downtown core, this course gives runners a steep and fast run over a quick 7.7km track. Halfway through the run, make sure to take in the views of the surrounding watershed, a prized possession for Halifax nature aficionados.
Steam raising off a lake, Mi’kmaq Trail, Nova Scotia
Mi’kmaq Hill Loop — This trail is not for the faint of knees. This 28.5km trail will treat runners to over 700m of elevation gain on single-track trail. With the hours of pain, runners get remarkable views of the Nova Scotia topography. Rolling hills, steep cliffs, sheets of granite and expansive lakes greet the brave adventurers who take on this challenge. Make sure to pack water and fuel, because where you’re going there won’t be cell reception.