COBEQUID ESCARPMENT TRAIL 




GENERAL INFORMATION

     Name:            Cobequid Escarpment Trail
     County:          Colchester
     Ownership:       mix of Economy River Wilderness Area (Nova Scotia Environment and Labour),
                      provincial Crown land (Department of Natural Resources), plus private land at trail head.
     Trail Length:    5 kilometer (3 mile) loop from trail head, including use of Economy Falls Trail and portion of Devils Bend Trail.	
     Season:          Year-round; may be impassable during winter conditions
                      

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

     Emergency:       911
     Nearest Phone:   Cell phone coverage on the trail is poor. Economy Country Store, Central Economy, has a pay phone.

DIRECTIONS

     From Truro, drive west along Highway #104 to Exit 11 at Glenholme. Turn onto Highway #2 and follow for 34 km to Lower Economy.
     Turn right onto River Philip Road (dirt) and travel about 6.5 km to a trail head parking area, on the right

ACTIVITIES

     Walking:             N        Hiking:         Y
     Mountain Biking:     N        XCountry Ski:   N
     ATV:                 N        Horse:          N
     Snowmobile:          N        Coastal:        N
     Loop:                N        Wheelchair:     N
     Wheelchair Assisted: N  

DESCRIPTION

Trail System Description

The Cobequid Escarpment Trail is a loop, formed by extending the Economy Falls Trail. to the eastern side of Economy River, 
and crossing back to Devils Bend Trail. on the western side, via a river ford. This moderately-challenging hike on wilderness
standard trail offers an exciting range of trail conditions and features over a relatively short trail span. Economy River is the 
focal point, and includes a river ford which should not be attempted at high water levels.

To begin, hike the Economy Falls trail to the bridge spanning Economy River gorge, just upstream of the falls. From here, the trail
climbs steeply up a series of intricately designed stone steps, offering views of the river gorge and its hardwood and conifer forest.
Watch for a trail junction once the slope levels off, and stay right. The route left (north) is part of the 18 kilometre Kenomee Canyon
trail [link]. A panoramic look-off, near this junction, offers a commanding view down the forested, lower Economy River Valley, towards
Minas Basin of the Bay of Fundy.

The trail now descends fairly gradually to the eastern shore of Economy River, crossing a major stream valley. Once at the river, check
conditions to ensure crossing is safe. You may wish to remove your shoes. Use a pole or walking stick for balance. Upon reaching the 
western shore of Economy River, the trail joins the northern-most kilometer of Devils Bend trail. Follow this north (upstream) to return
to the Economy Falls Trail and the trail head. About half of this hiking trail is within Economy River Wilderness Area.

You are encouraged to review NSEL’s Keep it Wild brochure for guidance on wilderness area standards and safe recreation.
For more information on the province’s Protected Areas Program call 902-424-2117 or visit: http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/protectedareas