The Richmond County Trails Strategy was approved by council on Monday, November 28, 2022. The strategy can be viewed at pdf Richmond County Trails Strategy(13.03 MB) .
Trails Funding Opportunities :
Contact to explore funding opportunities.
Public Works Officially Announces its Newest Batch of Road Trails Across Nova Scotia.
The Department of Public Works approved several road trail sites in Richmond County. These roadways provide Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riders with additional trail connectivity and access to businesses and services, including lodging, restaurants, and fuel. The new sites are as follows:
Back Road (Richmond County): 0.16 km on Back Road, connects the Richmond County Rail Trail to the K-class unmaintained section of Back Road.
Black River Road (Richmond County): (two road trails) 2.7 km on Black River Road and 2 km on Balmoral Road, assisting in connecting the Richmond County Rail Trail to Cooper Road to connect to Trail 60.
Cameron Mountain - West Bay Road (Richmond County): 20.2 km, Trail 65 begins at the parking area on Cameron Mountain Road – Cameron Mountain Road – Rock Bay Road right up to Inspiration Point Lodge.
Capelin Cove (Framboise) : 3.25km on St. Peter’s Fourchu Rd to connect trail 679 at Capelin Cove Rd to 679 at St. Esprit Rd.
Cooper Road (Richmond County): 0.81 km on Cooper Road connecting to Trail 60.
Framboise: 1.75km on St Peter’s Fourchu Rd and 250m on North Framboise Rd to connect MacDonalds Rd trail to trail #652.
Lennox Passage 2 (Richmond County): 500m on Rogers Rd, 150m on Hwy 206 and 7.7km on Hwy 320 to connect trails on Isle Madame to the rail trail (trail #2) into River Tillard.
Loch Lomond Road (Richmond County): 18 km, Trail 681- Stirling Road – Loch Lomond Road – Trail 616.
North Framboise Road (Richmond County): 9.3 km, Trail 652 – North Framboise Road – Grand Mira North Road – Trail 652C.
Pondville (Richmond County): 3.79 km, Trail 601 – Highway 320 – Pondville North Road – Gibbs Lane – Rockey Bay Road – Trail 601.
River Tillard (Richmond County): 530m on Mountain Rd to connect the rail trail to trail #62.
St. Peter's Access (Richmond County): 5.75 km on Oban Road and 0.7 km on Pepperell Street connecting Trail 64 to amenities.
ATVANS Interactive Map
The ATVANS interactive mapping application page is available free of charge. This map will provide all the trails and services close to the trails indentified on the map.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE PRINCIPLES:
1 - Expect Others, Respect Others
The number of people out on trails is rising fast! Depending on the trail you might come across hikers, runners, bikers, ATVers, snowmobilers, dirt bikers, skiers, horseback riders, folks with mobility aids or furry friends. Everybody will have a different level of ability and experience - and that's okay! The golden rule is to treat each other with respect and kindness.
2 - Pass with Class
When you meet someone on the trail, slow down and communicate. Give a signal that you're there, and then pass at a safe speed. A smile and a wave go a long way! There are standard guidelines for how to safely pass others listed below. Know before you go!
3 - Leave No Trace
Whether we realize it or not, the way we behave in the outdoors has a direct impact on the environment. There are simple things we can do to keep our impact small. Never leave trash or food waste behind on a trail - if you can carry it in, you can carry it out. Stay on marked, open trails. Always respect wildlife, plants and animals.
4 - Value The Volunteers
Trails don't pop out of nowhere. The majority of trails in Nova Scotia are built and maintained by volunteers. These folks are passionate about creating safe outdoor experiences for everyone in the community. A great way to show appreciation for volunteers is to take care of the trail and encourage others to do the same!
TRAIL ETIQUETTE RULES:
- Trail safety is the responsibility of all users
- Wheels yield to heels - ATVers. motorcyclists and snowmobilers yield to all other trail users. Bicyclists yield to hikers and walkers who in turn yield to horseback riders.
- Know and obey posted trail rules
- Stay on the trail and stay to the right
- Travel at a reasonable speed at all times, slow down at corners
- Give a clear warning signal when passing others
- Respect and be considerate of landowners along the trail
- Do not walk or ride under conditions where you might damage the trail
- Do not litter, always clean up after yourself and your pets
- Use provided toilet facilities. If you are unable to find a facility, dig a hole 6 inches deep at least 200 feet from any open water
- Respect wildlife - do not disturb plants or animals
- Obey trail curfews (usually 11pm to 5am)
People hiking, walking or snowshoeing
- Step aside to let others pass whenever possible
- Those going downhill yield to those going up
- Avoid using trails that are groomed specifically for cross county skiing in winter
People on bikes
- Obey speed limits
- Use your bell or your voice to let people know you are approaching
- Always yield the trail to hikers, walkers, and less mobile trail users
- Slow down when passing or approaching corners
- Know your ability, your equipment, and the area
- Do not ride under conditions where you might damage the trail
People on ATVs or motorcycles
- Obey speed limits
- Announce your presence (i.e. Honk) when approaching a trail user from behind
- To pass someone. Follow at a safe distance until you reach a safe place to pass. Then pass slowly
- Slow down when entering quiet zones or residential neighbourhoods
- Stay on the trail Do not ride on areas that are wet. Have loose soil, steep slopes, meadows or swamps
- Avoid late-night riding near populated areas
- When camping, ride directly to and from your campsite or turn off your vehicle and push it
- Minimize noise through proper care and operation of your off-highway vehicle
- Stay off groomed snowmobile trails during the winter months
People on snowmobiles
- Obey speed limits
- Stay on the trail
- Do not ride on tracks made for skiers
- Avoid late-night riding near populated areas or lodges
- Yield to cross country skiers who are going downhill
People on horseback
- Obey speed limits
- Practice minimum impact techniques
- Always clean up after your horse
- Keep horses in campsites only long enough to un-pack or pack them
- Never tie your horse within 200 feet of a lake, stream or spring
People on cross country skis
- Ski on the right side of the trail
- Yield to snowmobiles when you are going uphill
- Yield to anyone coming downhill or anyone faster
- To step out of the track, lift your skis so the track won't be disturbed
- When breaking trail, keep skis wider than normal
People with pets
- Clean up after your animal - do not throw poop bags in the woods
- Keep pets on a leash or lead, unless otherwise indicated
- If your pet is in an off-leash area, be sure it remains under your control
- Keep your pet on the trail
- Do not let your animal disturb wildlife
For more information about NS Trails visit https://nstrails.com/